Good jobs, quality schools, efficient transportation and safe, affordable housing are all fundamental to building prosperous metropolitan areas. Our work advances a new vision of smart, regional development that integrates key elements of metropolitan life to build equitable and sustainable communities.
For millions of Americans, opportunities to seek better futures are too often limited by the simple fact of where they live. Across entire regions of the country, cities are in decline. Industries have collapsed, houses are in foreclosure, and even before the economic downturn, jobs and services had moved to the suburbs and beyond.
Decades of inadequate public policy and planning have created concentrated pockets of poverty and urban centers devoid of opportunity. Today, the economic downturn and chronic problems associated with joblessness and urban blight make the effort to build strong communities and a promising future for families particularly urgent.
We are working across the United States to support efforts that reach beyond individual neighborhoods and cities to connect residents with opportunities in the broader metropolitan economy. We are supporting organizations that are pursuing integrated approaches to housing, land use and environmental planning, public transportation, and workforce training. Our work promotes smarter public policy and planning and supports regional efforts to build economic growth and competitiveness over the long term.
Learn about the focus of our work to promote equitable metropolitan development.