See how we work for livable, walkable, transit-oriented communities that make it easy for people from all walks of life to work and play close to home, and for inclusive neighborhoods for everyone – old and young, families and single people, regardless of socio-economic status.
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Testimony: Support for new mixed-use zones in Cleveland Park and Woodley Park (DC)
We are pleased to express our support for Case No. 25-09, which creates new mixed use zones for the commercial areas on Connecticut Avenue in the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park main streets and historic districts.
CSG in the News: DC metro region leaders exclude I-495 express lanes project from long-term plan
October 16, 2025 | Nathaniel Cline | Virginia Mercury
Since 2022, Virginia has been conducting a study on adding the express lanes, which public speakers at Wednesday’s meeting referenced. About 13 people spoke at the meeting, many in opposition to the project, with some noting that the state’s study lacked cost estimates for decommissioning private toll lanes in hopes of building a Metrorail line. Others said the express lanes would lead to an increase in vehicles and air pollution levels.
“Only by clearly leaving out the preferred alternative can the region ensure that there’s collaboration among jurisdictions to explore alternatives,” said Bill Pugh, transportation and climate director for the Coalition for Smarter Growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable transportation alternatives and what he called the negative environmental and social impacts of the project.
What’s in store for Bowie State MARC Station? A site tour on Sept 29, 2025
On September 29, 2025 we discussed the potential of the Bowie State University MARC station area to be a vibrant transit-oriented community.
In-Person Testimony: 495 Southside Study
From the beginning the VDOT study has been fatally flawed by a conclusions-first approach – defining their purpose and need as “extending express toll lanes” which forecloses other alternatives. Moreover, they have not provided all the information necessary for an informed decision – particularly the traffic impact on connecting roads. Given the missing information and strong concerns expressed by Fairfax, Prince George’s, Alexandria, Charles, WMATA, and state legislators in Virginia and Maryland, this project is not ready for inclusion in the regional plan.
Invest in the Coalition for Smarter Growth with a sponsorship this spring!
You can help us make a difference! Your sponsorships are an important part of our funding, so we hope you will budget to support the Coalition for Smarter Growth in 2025! Our most important fundraiser of the year is our Livable Communities Leadership Award reception in May.
Make a difference in your community – donate to CSG and double your impact!
Learn more about our fight for sustainable, inclusive communities, then rush a donation today and double your impact!
Thank you for joining us at Smart Growth Social!
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for Smart Growth Social! Over 200 of you came together at Eastern Market to network, celebrate, and look ahead to the future. We hope you enjoyed the food and drinks—and maybe even snagged some extra pizza! Your incredible turnout and enthusiasm was truly energizing.
We’ve been working on something special!
The countdown has officially begun for this year’s Livable Communities Leadership Awards & Blueprint Premiere – and you’re invited! Help us honor Metro’s General Manager, Randy Clarke, and get the exclusive first look of our updated Blueprint for a Better Region.