BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
The Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program provides quick, targeted technical assistance to selected local and/or tribal governments using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application. The purpose of delivering these tools is to stimulate a discussion about growth and development and strengthen local capacity to implement sustainable approaches.

1. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY:
APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 26TH
In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will select up to 44 communities for assistance. Each technical assistance project in a community will include: (1) Public engagement, a one-day workshop that is open to the public; (2) Direct consultation with relevant decision-makers; and (3) a memo outlining specific steps the community could take to implement the ideas generated during the site visit. EPA will offer 9 tools as part of this program including planning bikeshare programs, creating a green streets strategy, sustainability strategies for small cities and rural areas, to name a few. For additional information about the kinds of assistance available, and to find the full application guidelines go to this EPA website: http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

2. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM SMART GROWTH AMERICA:
APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 25TH
Smart Growth America is currently accepting applications for a series of free technical assistance workshops for local communities interested in smart growth strategies. The workshops span a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, walkability, regional planning, and zoning codes for small cities. Smart Growth America expects to select 12 communities nationally for assistance. Applications are due by October 25th. For additional information about the kinds of assistance available, and to find the full application guidelines and a digital application form, go to this Smart Growth America website: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/technical-assistance/free-annual-workshops.

3. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM GLOBAL GREEN:
APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 2ND
Global Green is offering free technical assistance related to neighborhood planning and revitalization. The Creating Sustainable Neighborhoods site assessment is based on the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system - the first national standard for neighborhood sustainability. Local and tribal governments are eligible to apply for the three-day intensive effort that engages national experts in neighborhood planning. Successful applicants will be able to identify a specific neighborhood where change is expected due a "catalytic" project, policy, or public investment. Global Green staff and team review current plans and zoning, conduct a walking tour and field evaluation, meet with stakeholders, complete a LEED-ND checklist to identify strengths and opportunities, and prepare a summary report with a series of targeted and actionable recommendations. Eight communities nationally will be selected for assistance in 2013. Deadline for applications is midnight, November 2, Pacific Standard Time. For more information and to apply, please visit: globalgreen.org/leedndtechassist.

4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES:
APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 2ND
In partnership with the members of their Livability Solutions coalition, Project for Public Spaces is offering free technical assistance workshops on a wide variety of topics, including street audits, transit-oriented development planning, green infrastructure valuation guides, and form based codes. Project for Public Spaces expects to select 6 to 12 communities nationally for assistance. Applications are due November 2nd. For the full details about the kinds of assistance available and how to apply, go to this Project for Public Spaces/Livability Solutions website: http://livabilitysolutions.org/
Our fourth grantee, FORTERRA, and their three partner organizations expect to offer additional free technical assistance in early 2013. This assistance will be available in Central Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State; the San Francisco Bay Area in California, the Twin Cities Metro Area and Greater Minnesota; and the Greater Boston Area in Massachusetts. To stay up to date on Forterra's program, please check Forterra's website: http://buildingsustainablecommunities.org/