Story of Smart Growth America
Where we began
Smart Growth America was founded with three staff members in 2000, and officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2003.
2005
Smart Growth America continued to expand programmatically in these early days with the development of technical assistance workshops and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in mid-2005 to run the Governors’ Institute on Community Design.
Growing SGA
In 2008, SGA launched LOCUS, an alliance for promoting sustainable urban development in the United States.
2008
In 2008, the organization continued to grow rapidly when it received a large multi-year grant to establish Transportation for America, a national campaign for transportation reform.
2012
Our North Star
In 2018, Smart Growth America’s senior leadership came together to define a new vision—our north star.
Since then, everything we do has aligned with one goal: to help create a country where, no matter where you live or who you are, you can thrive in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient.
SGA Today
Our goals and programs have evolved with the changing political and economic landscape since 2003, and the growth of our staff has allowed us to expand our work.
Technical Assistance
Our technical assistance work has evolved immensely to now include workshops on downtown revitalization and revitalization without displacement, Complete Streets design, Smart growth in rural communities, and DOT innovation, among others. We are a leading advocate for federal policies and programs that support great neighborhood development.
Learn more about our workshops and technical assistance programs.
Our research helps to shape the national discourse around how development strategies can help improve lives for Americans everywhere.
Read some of our signature reports:
Feeling Inspired?
Join the Smart Growth America Movement
Everyone in America – no matter their age, ability, income, or race – deserves the option to live somewhere affordable, convenient, beautiful, and safe. Become a changemaker today.
Smart Growth America isn’t just an idea—it’s a movement that’s only as strong as the community behind it.
We’ve laid the foundation, but it’s you who helps bring our vision to life. If you believe in creating vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities, now is your chance to be part of something transformative.