Upcoming Conference: Local Food Systems in Old Industrial Regions
This conference will cover the development and maintenance of local food systems from both the academic and practitioner perspectives. It will be held in Toledo, OH on August 3-7, 2010.
For more information on the conference and how to submit a paper for presentation, see the conference website.
EPA Signs Sustainability Agreement with NJ's Largest Developer
On March 11, 2010, Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc., New Jersey's largest developer, through an agreement with EPA, committed to reduce energy and water use at its retail and commercial properties. The agreement stipulates that Hartz must maximize recycling efforts, join EPA's Energy Star and Waste Wise programs, seek LEED designation for certain projects, cut water usage, evaluate solar energy, and take other sustainable steps. Hartz's progress on these measures will be submitted to EPA in annual status reports.
EPA has a history of creating similar agreements with a variety of companies and organizations, such as the New York Jets, Cushman & Wakefield and Montclair State University.
For more information, see EPA's press release.
APA Zoning Practice Focuses on Urban Agriculture
The March 2010 issue of APA's Zoning Practice discusses the growing urban agricultural movement and how cities are integrating urban agriculture into their land use planning efforts.
For more information, see the full text of the article.
Upcoming Treasury Grants
Capital Magnet Fund
This fund provides grants to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and non-profit housing organizations for financing activities related to the development of affordable housing and community facilities, as well as other economic development activities (e.g., creation of day care centers, workforce development centers). The funds can be used for a variety of financing tools, such as loan loss reserves, risk-sharing loans, loan guarantees, or capitalizing a revolving loan fund, affordable housing fund or other related fund. Treasury estimates that approximately $80 million will be available for the 2010 round of funding.
Applications for this round of funding are due April 15, with awards being announced in the fall.
For more information, see the CDFI Fund website.
Community Development Capital Initiative (CDCI)
This initiative is a TARP program that provides lower-cost capital to CDFIs in order to encourage investment in small businesses located in disadvantaged areas. Through the initiative, CDFIs are eligible to receive capital with an initial dividend rate of 2% (as compared to 5% under the Capital Purchase Program). Only CDFI banks, thrifts and credit unions that have been certified by Treasury (must provide over 60% of their small business lending and economic development activities to underserved communities) are eligible.
The application deadline has been extended to April 30.
For more information, see the CDCI website.
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