Through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program, the EPA is offering technical assistance to help communities across the country, including underserved communities, coastal communities, small cities and rural areas, adopt sustainable growth strategies. The program aims to increase resilience to natural disasters and strengthen the economy while protecting human health and the environment. NRMCA members and affiliates can demonstrate their leadership in resilience by helping their community leaders take advantage of the Building Blocks program which provides quick, targeted technical assistance.

Communities may apply for assistance on one or more of the following topics: 

• Bikeshare planning;

• Equitable development;

• Infill development for distressed cities;

• Sustainable strategies for small cities and rural areas; and

• Flood resilience for riverine and coastal communities.

Twenty five communities will be selected through a competitive process with collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation.