Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

Sprawling metropolitan growth patterns have led to the rapid development of open spaces and farm land to meet the demands for housing and services for new suburban populations.  This development is draining population, jobs and other resources out of the core of cities and older suburbs, and has led to an increase in the concentration of poverty in urban neighborhoods. The rapidly developing suburbs are facing their own set of problems as they grapple with the costs of growth -- congestion, loss of open space, school overcrowding -- without adequate resources.

The Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities was launched on April 5, 1999 to inform and strengthen philanthropic funders' individual and collective abilities to support and connect organizations working to improve quality of life, create better economies, build livable communities, and protect and preserve natural resources. It is designed to be an active resource and focal point for foundations, nonprofit organizations and other partners working together to create opportunities by positively impacting the  environmental, social, and economic issues exacerbated by suburban sprawl and urban disinvestment.

In January 1999, representatives from nearly thirty philanthropic foundations came together in Miami for the initial planning meeting of the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities.  National, regional, family, and community foundations participated in the meeting which included staff across environmental and community development programs.  Participants identified more information and a more intentional coordination among funders as critical to address these emerging issues of local and national priority.

The Funders' Network has been established to inform funders of critical policy and grassroots developments; enable program staff to share experiences of effective strategies and tools; build the capacity of key constituencies to promote smart growth and livable communities; and raise awareness about the interdisciplinary nature of these issues and the need for sustained engagement by a diverse coalition of funders.

The Network is supported by contributions from member foundations. Foundation staff  serve as the core of the Network, but Network staff and members maintain contacts with key non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector groups.

The Funders' Network is  managed by Ben Starrett, who recently served as the chief planning officer for the Florida Department of Community Affairs.  Based in Miami at the Collins Center for Public Policy, Inc., Mr. Starrett will serve as the Network's Staff Consultant.

Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

150 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 709, Miami,  Florida 33131

Telephone: (305) 377-4484     Fax: (305) 377-4485 

email: bstarrett@collinscenter.org