A significant development on the federal level within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is bringing great benefits in terms of livability planning to St. Louis – and Trailnet is proud to be included in the process.
Last June, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined a nascent HUD/Department of Transportation (DOT) Sustainable Communities partnership. The resulting three-agency partnership aims to streamline the federal processes behind urban development and, according to the partnership website, will coordinate the efforts of the agencies to protect the environment, promote equitable development, and help address the issue of climate change.
Last October, the partnership announced the winners of the first round of Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grants (amounting to about $100 million split among 45 regions) to create plans for sustainability, affordable housing, and transit.
The East-West Gateway Council of Governments authored a grant for the first round and our region was awarded $4.6 million – that round’s largest award. Many well-respected agencies are partnering in the work of that grant, including Trailnet, Citizens for Modern Transit, Great Rivers Greenway District, Metro, and others.
The planning work that will be done as a result of this grant is intended to connect downtown to the Mississippi River more effectively, enhance livability aspects of the region, and increase bike and walkability. Because livability includes issues of housing, jobs, transportation, clean air and water, economic development, and equity, this planning grant requires partner agencies that understand the complexities of community planning, and have experience in programming at the scale and scope that will serve a thriving metropolitan area.
Trailnet brings experience in looking at communities, systems, and problems from the intersection of public policy, public health, and urban planning. This grant is Trailnet's golden opportunity to continue and expand our role as catalyst for moving our region toward increased active living through highly intentional planning; smart, comprehensive policy; and a diversity of affordable, enjoyable programs.
This grant gives many effective agencies the opportunity to strengthen their relationships, vision together the elements of an integrated plan for greater livability and sustainability, and work with residents to build a community that meets their needs now and well into the future.
We are energized by this work and impressed by our federal government’s vision in giving communities access to the power to achieve their vision for a well-planned, well-designed, 21st century community.
Ann Mack
Executive Director
