Greetings Dear Reader,

Welcome to the Office of Community Revitalization (OCR)’s October Newsletter! This a new way for you to gain a snapshot of ongoing community-centered work our office conducts in cities, towns, tribal communities, and rural areas across the country.

Coincidently, this newsletter release corresponds with the milestone of my first 90 days as Office Director. It is an exciting time to lead as we broaden our placed-based activities and work towards meeting the current needs of communities that are facing drastic and rapid changes in their landscapes, infrastructure, transportation services, energy productions, and economic development strategies.

I began my federal career in EPA’s Office of Research and Development in the late 1990s and early 2000s, supporting research on environmental vulnerabilities of children, tribal populations, and environmental justice communities, including risks posed to these communities by climate change. Most recently, I served as Superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Island Coral Reef National Monument, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of stronger, more frequent tropical storms. Rebuilding for extreme weather and heat resilience – while bolstering ecosystem services – became central to our recovery efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Having returned to EPA just this past summer, I'm eager to be part of the expansion of the smart growth movement to equitably assist communities to prepare for and adjust to the climate realities ahead.

Recently I had the opportunity to speak at the Smart Growth Network Quarterly Discussion. During the session, panelists and participants explored the tension between the broad planning assistance offered by federal agencies and the specific capacity-building needs of many communities receiving and successfully managing federal grants. At this key moment, with an unprecedented amount of federal funding available to communities to drive local level changes, we recognize the big need – we must build capacity for communities to not only be successful for today's grant opportunities, but for the long-term.

The work has started, but the timelines are tight. Are we ready for the moment, and are the communities we support ready to accept these resources? How can we be responsive to population and ecosystem changes, as well as the cultural aspect woven into these conversations? Our office is working at the nexus of these issues. We will consider both qualitative and quantitative information as we innovate ways to incorporate local community values into real solutions.

In collaboration with communities that seek our help, we are working together, and eager to work with you, to meet this moment.

Nigel A. Fields

Community Stories

Small Towns United for a Cause!

Check out the new video featuring our Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program to hear the story of two neighboring communities (Granville, NY and Poultney, VT) highlighting their RERC planning efforts and the successes they have accomplished to date.

Watch the video on YouTube.

People talking and pointing at a map on a table, a screenshot from the new RERC video.

Smart Growth Network Discusses Capacity Building

On September 28, OCR and the Georgetown Climate Center (GCC) co-hosted a Smart Growth Network Quarterly Discussion. The conversation opened with remarks from Nigel Fields and Joe Kruger (Director of Research at GCC), followed by a panel of speakers discussing the topic, Emerging Approaches to Capacity Building: Moving from Conventional to Transformational. Small group discussions were held on specific capacity building topics.

Thank you to all who participated in a meaningful dialogue!

An audience of adults facing a panel and a large screen

50 in-person and virtual participants joined moderator, Harriet Tregoning (Director of the New Urban Mobility Alliance), and panelists Michael Dexter (Southeast Sustainability Directors Network), Kirin Kumar (California Strategic Growth Council), and Xavier Lofton (Equitable Cities).

Save the Date

Our next conversation will be December 14 on the topic of zoning reform. Zoning is both a regulatory tool and a process that shapes our communities. Outdated zoning codes in many communities contribute to development patterns that increase traffic congestion, contribute to air pollution, and drive up the cost of housing. Today, momentum is building to reform codes in pursuit of more equitable and sustainable communities.

OCR Was Here!

Supporting the On-Board Process of Community Engagement Liaisons

This summer, OCR’s Reyes Barboza participated in three Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice Initiative workshops to on-board community engagement liaisons for 17 participating partners. Reyes was able to engage on the local planning aspects of the training, explore how EPA can assist with access to resources and programs, and learn about the mobilization efforts of local community groups.

This series of workshops allowed OCR and our partners, Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), to assist in the roll-out of the new capacity-building program and to strengthen ties to improve community engagement on transportation electrification and environmental justice.

A group of people crowded around a colorful electric shuttle van.

The most recent workshop included a visit to two community-based electric mobility resources: a solar-powered electric bike station and an electric shuttle van that will provide free, local transit service for community members.

Let's Celebrate!

We're cheering for our Round II RERC partner, Hartwell, GA! They were recognized as Outstanding Community Transformation/Downtown of the Year at this year’s Georgia Downtown Association conference in 2023. We love that they included RERC in their application, and they believe it contributed to their selection!

Funding Opportunities

EPA 2022-2023 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants

This funding is intended to accelerate the upgrading or retirement of the nation’s legacy diesel engine fleet. Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies.

Eligible Entities: Regional, state, local, or Tribal agencies, or port authorities, with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. School districts, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities, and counties.
Deadline: December 1, 2023

Climate Ready Workforce for Coastal States and Territories Competition

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will assist communities in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories in forming partnerships to train workers and place them into jobs that enhance climate resilience.

Who May Apply: State, tribal, territorial, and local governments, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations in coastal states or territories.
Letters of Intent Due: November 30, 2023
Full Proposals Due: February 13, 2024

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP)

GRRP provides owners of HUD-assisted multifamily housing with capital resources to reduce carbon emissions, make utility efficiency improvements, incorporate renewable energy sources, and make properties more resilient against the effects of climate hazards. HUD has three paths (cohorts) of funding available to meet the needs of properties at all stages of redevelopment.

Current Closing Date for Applications: March 28, 2024

Find more funding opportunities here.

Something We Love

Protect yourself from public health frights that might be lurking in your neighborhood! Join CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, celebrating Halloween with their “Track or Treat” series.

Image from CDC Trick or Track Campaign. Text reads: Halloween isn't the only time to be prepared. Image: Jack o'lantern and other supplies.

Image from CDC Trick or Track Campaign. Text reads: There could be something lurking beneath you. Image: Two red eyes under a bed.

Image from CDC Trick or Track Campaign. Text reads: Keep it under wraps. Protect yourself from sunlight and UV exposure. Image: a mummy wrapped in gauze.

Image from CDC Trick or Track Campaign. Text reads: Some populations are more at risk than others. Image: A carnivorous plant with teeth.

Like our new look?

We're updating some of our communications tools to keep you better informed.

Want to learn more?

Visit our new and improved website at epa.gov/smartgrowth.

Let's keep in touch!

We have plenty of upcoming news, so keep watching this space. If you received this email from a colleague, please subscribe so we can connect with you directly!