[MassHistPres] Fw: "Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities" report now available

[Marcia Starkey]

Hello,
This message may be of interest to more than "rural communities" as there 
are very few Massachusetts towns which lack a rural component.
Marcia Starkey, Greenfield HC

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <White.Roberta at epamail.epa.gov>
To: <undisclosed-recipients:>
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 9:26 AM
Subject: "Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities" report now 
available


>
>
> ICMA has released a new report, “Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural
> Communities,” which focuses on how to adapt smart growth strategies to
> rural communities. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
> Office of Sustainable Communities, the report examines the challenges
> rural communities face, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges,
> declining rural populations, and the loss of working lands. It
> highlights smart growth strategies that can help guide rural growth
> while preserving the unique rural character of existing communities.
>
> The report focuses on three central goals: 1) support the rural
> landscape by creating an economic climate that enhances the viability of
> working lands and conserves natural lands; 2) help existing places to
> thrive by taking care of assets and investments such as downtowns, Main
> Streets, existing infrastructure, and places that the community values;
> and 3) create great new places by building vibrant, enduring
> neighborhoods and communities that people, especially young people,
> don’t want to leave. Featuring case studies from across the country, the
> report highlights how local governments, states, and non-profits have
> successfully implemented smart growth strategies to support rural lands,
> revitalize existing communities, and create great new places for
> residents and visitors.
>
> To read the full report, visit: www.icma.org/ruralsmartgrowth. Hard
> copies of the report will be available later this summer. Stay posted to
> ICMA's website for information on ordering hard copies of the report.
>
> Roberta Lane White, Management Analyst
> U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
> Mail Code:  1807T
> 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
> Washington, D.C. 20460
> 202/566-2876