Partnership for Sustainable Communities: Areas of Focus for 2012 ^Vl\ENT0/- For 2012, the areas of focus described below will shape how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will implement the Partnership's goals and continue to build on the work accomplished since 2009. The Partnership for Sustainable Communities' Areas of Focus for 2012: Share Models of Local Successes The Partnership helps communities as they work to envision and implement local development that supports a strong economy and a clean environment. This year, the Partnership will work with communities to help them share stories of their successes. These stories will serve as models for other communities that want to be healthy, competitive, and affordable. Continue Coordination to Make Government Work Better The Partnership will continue to coordinate federal investments to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently We will offer joint training programs to help regional staff from the Partnership agencies have the knowledge and skills to support sustainable cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Our agencies will continue to work together to align guidelines and planning requirements for state and local governments and to coordinate federal investments made in the same community. Help Communities Solve Problems The Partnership will help communities succeed by providing technical assistance and tools, building the capacity of state and local partners, and giving communities better access to national networks and resources. The agencies will also test and refine performance measures that can help communities assess progress toward their goals and build on their successes. By working together, [HUD, DOT, and EPA] can make sure that when it comes to development—housing, transportation, energy efficiency—these things aren't mutually exclusive; they go hand in hand. And that means making sure that affordable housing exists in close proximity to jobs and transportation. That means encouraging shorter travel times and lower travel costs. It means safer, greener, more livable communities. — President Barack Obama, 2010 More information and updates available at: www.sustainablecommunities.gov ------- |