The Environmental Protection Fund Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning Grant Program is a funding opportunity offered by the New York State Department of State for 2024-2025. The program seeks to assist municipalities and not-for-profit organizations in advancing planning and zoning initiatives that align with Smart Growth principles. These principles emphasize sustainable development, environmental protection, and the promotion of equity and housing affordability.

Applicants can seek funding for the preparation or updating of comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, or area-specific plans that integrate these principles. Eligible projects include new or updated comprehensive plans for towns, villages, cities, or counties, as well as zoning regulations that reflect existing comprehensive plans. Area plans focused on transit-oriented development, downtown revitalization, or similar priorities are also eligible.

Approximately $2 million is available for this round of funding. Eligible applicants include towns, villages, cities, counties, regional planning entities, and qualified not-for-profit organizations acting on behalf of these municipalities. The minimum request for state assistance is $75,000, and the program will cover up to 90% of eligible project costs, leaving a 10% match requirement for applicants.

Applications are due by 4:00 PM on July 31, 2024, and must be submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal. To be considered, applicants must outline how their projects will incorporate Smart Growth principles such as mixed land uses, housing opportunities, redevelopment in existing communities, and resilience to climate change.

Projects will be evaluated based on criteria such as the demonstration of community need, public engagement, integration of Smart Growth principles, and project readiness. Scoring will focus on the extent to which projects reflect these priorities, with a maximum possible score of 120 points. Awards will be granted based on ranking until available funds are fully allocated.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full Request for Applications (RFA) and ensure they meet all eligibility and submission requirements before applying.