Atlanta is one of 43 communities nationwide that has been chosen to receive technical assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency to promote smart growth.

In a statement, EPA spokesman William McBride says Atlanta is being helped to form equitable development strategies. This form of development focuses on improving quality of life and economic opportunities without displacing residents who could benefit from those improvements. Components of equitable development include creating safe, walkable neighborhoods, regional transportation concepts, high-quality employment and more.

The assistance is part of the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program, which aims to provide targeted technical help to local governments looking to make their communities more economically and environmentally sound.

The technical assistance includes public engagement through workshops, consultation with local leaders and action plans to implement proposed improvements.

Tags: Atlanta, growth, EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, smart growth