SMART GROWTH TOOLKIT FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

The Smart Growth Self-Assessment for Rural Communities, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides small towns, villages, and rural regions with a practical checklist of strategies to strengthen local economies, revitalize town centers, improve health outcomes, and protect natural resources. Organized into 11 goal areas, the tool helps communities identify policy gaps, prioritize strategies, and align local initiatives with long-term social, economic, and environmental goals. Importantly, it is designed to be flexible and community-driven—encouraging collaboration across local governments, organizations, and residents. This type of adaptable, asset-based tool mirrors Aspen CSG’s focus on equipping rural communities with frameworks and resources that empower them to make locally grounded, long-term investments in resilience and well-being.