June 21, 2011, Washington, DC. For years CitNet members have talked about the need for sustainability planning -- at all levels. Today Housing and Urban Development Secretary Donovan announced $65 million would soon be available support regional sustainability planning. The grants will be awarded competitively to multi-jurisdictional and multi-sector partnerships as well as regional consortia consisting of state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), educational institutions, non-profit organizations and philanthropic organizations.

The aim of the program is to "support regional planning efforts that integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments in a manner that empowers jurisdictions to consider the interdependent challenges of economic competitiveness and revitalization;  social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity;  energy use and climate change;  and, public health and environmental impact."

This is the second round of HUD's Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program, building on last year's distribution of $100 million for regional sustainability planning throughout the country. It is part of the interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

The Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities is director by Shelley Poticha, former Executive Director for the Congress for the New Urbanism, who has shared some of her view on sustainable development.