Omaha and Bellevue will get technical assistance from the EPA for sustainability programs.
The two cities were chosen to participate in the EPA’s Smart Growth Technical Assistance Program. 120 communities applied and 45 were chosen.
David Doyle, Sustainable Communities Coordinator for EPA’s Region 7, says it isn’t a grant program.
"It’s direct, technical, hands-on assistance to communities around the country who are looking to grow smarter and in a more sustainable way. So it really addresses a lot of issues related to development of communities."
Omaha’s technical assistance involves economic and fiscal aspects of community development. In Bellevue, the technical assistance will be used in the development of green streets.
Doyle says many communities hold workshops to plan for the sustainability initiatives.