Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Office of Community Revitalization

Purpose

To provide quick, targeted technical assistance to selected communities to contribute environmental and economic sustainability, using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants include local, county, or tribal governments, or nonprofit organizations that have the support of the local government on whose behalf they are applying.

Decarbonization Considerations

Consider projects and plans that can achieve decarbonization while improving community resiliency. For example, what kinds of street design can encourage walking instead of driving? How to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) when revitalizing downtowns and existing neighborhoods? Can these deployments demonstrate the benefits of decarbonization measures and raise community awareness?

Equity Considerations

Applicants need to use data to demonstrate the challenge their community faces and describe how this challenge affects low-income, minority, tribal, and/or other communities facing disproportionate environmental or health risks. The letter of interest should also describe plans for engaging traditionally underrepresented communities to ensure equitable access and meaningful engagement.

Helpful Tips

EPA offers 19 tools through this program. Not every tool is offered in every round. Once EPA has used a tool in several communities, the tool will be refined to create a product that any community can use with limited outside assistance. Local governments are encouraged to navigate emerging challenges with existing tools. Past Recipients and Tools can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/building-blocks-sustainable-communities-past-recipients-and-tools

Other Notes

EPA provides direct assistance through a federal contract; therefore, no funds are transferred to the community. The initial application requires a two-page write-up detailing how the assistance will help the community. After that, EPA will request next step memos and notify applicants of the due. Local governments with ideas should submit their letters of interest to seize the opportunities.