The purpose of the Growing Smarter Planning Grant Program (GSPG) is to assist rural communities and counties in meeting their basic planning needs to meet state statutory (Growing Smarter/Plus) requirements. The GSPG funds are available as matching grants, and may be used to fulfill various components of the Growing Smarter and Growing Smarter Plus Acts, including but not limited to: public participation program development and implementation, research and analysis, the development of the general or comprehensive plan, map and graphics preparation, and implementation of the general/comprehensive plan by updating the zoning ordinance, capital improvement plan, or other specific plans. Only those communities/counties committed to the development and implementation of a general/comprehensive plan, as evidenced by the completed application, will be considered.
Priority consideration will first be given to those city, towns or counties mandated to meet Growing Smarter statutory requirements (see ARS 9-461.05 and 11-821), although cities, towns, counties and tribal jurisdictions that are developing plans due to current circumstances or changing trends (i.e. growth, infrastructure, housing affordability, annexation) are also eligible to apply. For questions about the grant process please contact: Kristen Keener-Busby, AICP Director, Office of Smart Growth (602) 771-1132
Other Grant Opportunities Across the State:
Arizona Community and Business Financing Guide contains descriptions and contact information for federal, state and many private loan, grant and financing programs. The Guide is organized based on applicant eligibility – Communities/Tribes and Businesses.
State Funding Calendar includes the expected dates of opening, closing, and award of the various grants, loans and other competitive funding programs across state agencies.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available through the Arizona Department of Housing. Please call them at 602.771.1000. Through the Arizona Preserve Initiative, the State provides additional matching grants for the preservation of open space through Arizona State Parks. For more information, please contact Doris Pulsifer, Chief of Grants, Arizona State Parks 602.542.7127. Arizona State Parks Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Program The Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) was created by the Arizona State Legislature to assist local and tribal governments and special districts with the development of public infrastructure. Housed in the Arizona Department of Commerce, this $20 million bond authority leverages funding for infrastructure projects, helping to accelerate project development and lower costs of financing. Both technical and financial assistance are available through the Authority. |