No matter your personal opinion on religion, it’s impossible to deny the role that faith-based organizations and religious institutions play in shaping politics in the United States. They also provide much-needed social services to our communities, lead vital community development initiatives, and handle the largest share of charitable giving in our country.
Faith-based organizations also can play a role in smart growth. In this issue of Getting Smart!, we offer three case studies of faith-based organizations and religious institutions that have been pivotal in the success of smart growth efforts.
Dear Smart Growth Network members:
No matter your personal opinion on religion, it’s impossible to deny the role that faith-based organizations and religious institutions play in shaping politics in the United States. They also provide much-needed social services to our communities, lead vital community development initiatives, and handle the largest share of charitable giving in our country.
Faith-based organizations also can play a role in smart growth. In this issue of Getting Smart!, we offer three case studies of faith-based organizations and religious institutions that have been pivotal in the success of smart growth efforts. In Connecticut, the Archdiocese of Hartford led an initiative that has helped create a new vision for growth throughout the state. In the Twin Cities region, MICAH, engages over 150 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim groups to speak up for safe, decent, and affordable housing for all. And in Chicago, Bethel New Life, a faith-based community development organization, was instrumental in preserving a train stop by building a sustainable, service-oriented commercial building.
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development received a National Award for Smart Growth Achievement for its role in planning and building the Bethel Center. We also feature another National Award winner, the city of Wichita, whose visionary leadership transformed a congested commercial district into a vibrant mixed use community.
The April issue of Getting Smart! will look at how the aging baby boomer population will impact our communities and, in particular, how smart growth has been and will be critical to creating livable communities for all ages. In June, we’ll explore the connections between land use and climate change.
As always, we welcome your comments and ideas on this and future issues.
Sincerely,
Meghan Sharp
Editor
Articles in this Issue
Faith Community Leads Early Smart Growth Effort in Connecticut
Minneapolis-based FBO Works for Justice in Housing
Bethel Center Saves Transit Stop, Brings New Life to Community
Wichita's Old Town: A Revitalization Success Story
NACo Adopts Policy on Climate Change
Smart Growth Awards and Opportunities