2007 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet

From 2002 to 2015, EPA presented the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement to recognize and support communities that used innovative policies and strategies to strengthen their economies, provide housing and transportation choices, develop in ways that bring benefits to a wide range of residents, and protect the environment.

Awards were given in the following categories in 2007:

Overall Excellence: New Columbia: Building Community Together, Housing Authority of Portland in Portland, Oregon
Built Projects: High Point Redevelopment, Seattle Housing Authority in Seattle, Washington
Policies and Regulations: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board in the State of Vermont
Waterfront and Coastal Communities: Balanced Growth through Downtown Revitalization, Town of Barnstable in Hyannis, Massachusetts
Equitable Development: Abyssinian Neighborhood Project in Harlem, the Borough of Manhattan, New York

Overall Excellence: New Columbia: Building Community Together, Housing Authority of Portland in Portland, Oregon

Corner fruit stand — Photo courtesy of award winner.

This Smart Growth Award recognized the Housing Authority of Portland and their partnership with public and private stakeholders to redevelop an isolated and distressed public housing site into New Columbia.

New Columbia is a neighborhood built to improve economic opportunity, community livability, and environmental quality for both old and new residents. Amenities such as a local grocery store and wide sidewalks (pictured right) improved access for residents of all ages.

For an update on this project, see the “How Smart Growth Protects the Environment” section of the 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklet.

Built Projects: High Point Redevelopment, Seattle Housing Authority in Seattle, Washington

Community garden next to housing — Photo courtesy of award winner.

This Smart Growth Award recognized Seattle Housing Authority and their work on the High Point Redevelopment. The Housing Authority worked closely with community members to rebuild a formerly high-crime and dilapidated 120-acre hilltop neighborhood into a mixed-use, mixed-income, and environmentally sensitive community. The creation of local community gardens (pictured right) helped build a strong sense of place.

For an update on this project, see the 2009 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklet.

Policies and Regulations: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board in the State of Vermont

Man walking along Vermont water front — Photo courtesy of award winner.

This Smart Growth Award recognized the state of Vermont's work in promoting compact settlements surrounded by rural countryside.

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board supported this goal by funding affordable housing development in existing population centers and by preserving historic resources, farmland, forests, and public access to recreational lands.

Using the Housing and Conservation Board's tools and funding, city officials created the Urban Reserve (pictured right), which includes conservation easements, allowing limited development and improving access to the waterfront.

For an update on this project, see the 2008 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklet.

Waterfront and Coastal Communities: Balanced Growth through Downtown Revitalization, Town of Barnstable in Hyannis, Massachusetts

Aerial view of Main Street Hyannis — Photo courtesy of award winner.

This Smart Growth Award recognized the Balanced Growth through Downtown Revitalization plan in supporting public space and streetscape improvements that have been integral in the revitalization of Hyannis.

The redevelopment plan has reconnected residents to the waterfront and downtown by creating pedestrian-friendly walkways and allowed for mixed-use redevelopment along Main Street that has attracted residents and visitors to downtown Hyannis.

For an update on this project, see the 2008 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklet.

Equitable Development: Abyssinian Neighborhood Project in Harlem, the Borough of Manhattan, New York

This Smart Growth Award recognized the Abyssinian Neighborhood Project. Located in Harlem, the Abyssinian neighborhood was once marked by vacant lots and abandoned buildings. The Abyssinian Development Corporation launched a community development initiative to increase affordable housing options, revitalize the business corridor, and expand job training opportunities to the community.

Redevelopment projects, such as the Laura B. Thomas House (pictured right), provided affordable housing for families on fixed incomes, while returning the building to productive use.

For an update on this project, see the 2010 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklet.