From cities to suburbs to small towns to rural communities, environmentally sensitive development is improving quality of life, according to the new publication, “This Is Smart Growth,” released this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and 30 other organizations.

All 32 organizations are partners in the Smart Growth Network, a highly diverse alliance that works to encourage development practices that improve the environment, the economy, public health, and the community.

Featuring 40 localities around the country, including East Liberty in Pittsburgh, This Is Smart Growth illustrates how communities can use smart growth techniques that improve the quality of development. It shows how communities have made tax dollars go farther by reducing the cost of services and infrastructure and offering people more transportation choices.

It also shows how communities have protected natural lands, farms and ranches; created safe, convenient neighborhoods with homes people can afford; and boosted public health by reducing pollution and increasing opportunities for walking, biking, and other forms of physical activity.

This is Smart Growth was funded through a cooperative agreement between EPA and ICMA.

Free copies of “This Is Smart Growth” are available online, or printed copies from the EPA National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 800-490-9198 or via e-mail at ncepimal@one.net . Ask for publication number 231-K-06-002.

9/15/2006