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Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Frequent Questions
- When are applications due?
- Who can apply for SGIA?
- What does EPA look for in applications?
- Is SGIA a grant?
- What kinds of projects do you select?
- How do I submit an application?
- Where can I find more information?
1. When are applications due?
Applications are accepted only for open solicitations and are due 45 days after the solicitation opens. The specific date will be noted in the Request for Applications (RFA).
2. Who can apply for SGIA?
The applicant must be:
- a tribal, state, local, or regional government; or
- an incorporated nonprofit organization incorporated or domiciled in the United States that has a demonstrated partnership with a governmental agency. Applicants must be located in, and project activities must be conducted within, the United States, Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the U.S.
3. What does EPA look for in applications?
The RFA will describe the evaluation criteria in detail. Briefly:
- The applicant must be eligible as described above.
- The assistance must relate to policy analysis or public participatory processes that will improve the overall climate for brownfields redevelopment and revitalization of other infill sites. However, community-involvement activities associated with the cleanup, assessment, or inventory of individual brownfield sites are not eligible for funding under this RFA.
- The community understands and supports the principles of smart growth. Applicants should describe actions that the community has taken to address the location and design of development, regardless of whether they have been successful. EPA is looking for communities that have already learned about the principles of smart growth and now want implementation assistance.
- The community must be facing a clear, development-related challenge, whether it involves growth pressures, attracting more development, or planning for the future, and must identify opportunities for changing the way it handles growth.
- The community must have a specific, clearly defined project, and there must be a clear role for a team to assist with policy analysis or public participation.
- The community must be able to demonstrate how it anticipates using the results from the EPA-led team to implement changes locally.
- The community must form a diverse local team to work with the EPA-led expert team and to follow up on the technical assistance. The community itself must carry out the bulk of the work and must have the dedication and vision to succeed.
- Elected officials - mayors, county commissioners, city council members, state commissioners, etc. - must support this project and be committed to its success.
- Although this assistance will be free to the community, communities that can show local commitment through partnerships, such as local government staff time, support from local businesses, and other local resources, will have priority in the selection process.
4. Is SGIA a grant?
No. SGIA provides direct assistance through a federal contract. Selected communities will receive assistance in the form of a multi-day visit from a team of national experts organized by EPA and other partners to work with local leaders. EPA will provide this assistance through contractors, not as a grant. Team members will be nationally known experts in disciplines to be determined by the community's unique needs.
5. What kinds of projects do you select?
We will consider applications for policy analysis (e.g., reviewing state and local codes, policies, school siting guidelines, etc.) and public participatory processes (e.g., neighborhood planning, community visioning, charrettes, etc.) associated with the smart growth redevelopment of infill generally in a city, county, state, or on tribal lands that includes brownfields sites as well as other types of sites. However, community-involvement activities associated with the cleanup, assessment, or inventory of individual brownfield sites are not eligible for funding under this RFA.
6. How do I submit an application?
Please follow the RFA's instructions on how to submit an application. If you have questions, contact Kevin Nelson (nelson.kevin@epa.gov).
7. Where can I find more information?
For more information about the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program, please visit our SGIA Web page. If you have additional questions, e-mail Kevin Nelson (nelson.kevin@epa.gov.).