The EPA offers various programs and resources to help communities with environmental problem solving and growth planning. Through community grants and the projects they support, EPA aims to build more productive working partnerships in communities and encourage the sharing of innovation and experience, so that one community's successful innovation can benefit others. EPA seeks opportunities to work with state officials, city planners, environmental groups, non-governmental organizations, tribal leaders, academics and concerned citizens on these issues. The community-oriented approach integrates environmental management with human needs, considers long-term ecosystem health and highlights the strong positive correlations between economic prosperity and environmental well-being.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Encouraging Smart Growth
  This web site provides public resources to help create communities that promote the sustainability of America's environment, economy, and quality of life.
• Smart Growth Network
  Provides information about the Smart Growth Network.
• Community Based Environmental Protection
  CBEP integrates environmental management with human needs, considers long - term ecosystem health and highlights the positive correlations between economic prosperity and environmental well - being.