About
Greening America’s Communities is an EPA program that funds a team of designers to visit 3-4 communities to help them develop designs and illustrations to kick-start or align with a larger planning process for the pilot neighborhood.
The pilot projects are often the starting point for larger city-wide actions like local code or ordinance changes that better support sustainable growth and green infrastructure.
The EPA and other federal agency partners also help city staff develop implementation strategies.
The basic criteria for eligibility for Green America’s Communities technical assistance is laid out in the request for letters of interest that goes out with each new round. However, projects need to have a clear project area and need for design assistance, as well as broad community commitment to implementation.
Project Examples
Oklahoma City explored using green infrastructure to minimize flooding from a local stream and make improvements to streets in four neighborhoods that will increase safety and improve quality of life for residents. Project Page
Des Moines incorporated GI into a streetscape plan that has positive impacts on the Des Moines River. Project Page
Jefferson City developed a design for restoration of Wears Creek and Millbottom, a flood-prone area near the capitol. The design provides community and water quality benefits and reuse of vacant lands. Project Page