Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN): SSDN is a network of local government sustainability professionals from various cities and counties across the Southeast. They focus on collaborative learning, state policy programs, and federal initiatives aimed at creating clean and healthy communities. SSDN supports municipal sustainability professionals with resources, collaborative opportunities, and best practices in urban sustainability. Their programs include the Southeast Sustainable Recovery Center and Environmental Finance Center (SESDN).
EPA’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: This program works with local communities to develop smart growth solutions that benefit both human health and the environment. The program emphasizes a flexible, community-led process to develop strategies for vibrant, walkable, and revitalized neighborhoods. It partners with communities to address environmental justice concerns, preserve natural resources, and facilitate economic growth (US EPA).
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN): Based in Winston-Salem, NC, NBN empowers community leaders through the asset-based community development framework. They focus on bringing residents to the table for decision-making processes that impact their communities, advocating for health, safety, learning, prosperity, and justice at the community level. NBN’s initiatives aim to strengthen neighborhoods by leveraging local resources and resident leadership (NBN Community).
Spruce Root: Although based in Southeast Alaska, Spruce Root’s approach to sustainable community development through business coaching, financial resources, and workshops is a model that can be adapted for other regions. They provide comprehensive support for local entrepreneurs, fostering economic development and job creation through their Path to Prosperity and other sustainability-focused programs (Spruce Root ).