The American Institute of Architects has selected seven communities across the country to receive technical assistance under the Sustainable Design Assessment Team program in 2013. The SDAT program represents a significant institutional investment in public service work to assist communities in developing policy frameworks and long term sustainability plans.
Since 2005, the program has provided technical assistance to 68 communities across more than 30 states. The communities selected for 2013 are Coral Bay, St. John; Covington, Kent.; Lee County, Fla.; Livingston, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Sebastopol, Calif.; and Tremonton City, Utah.
The collaborative SDAT brings together architects and other professionals assembled from across the country to provide a roadmap for communities seeking to improve their sustainability — as defined by a community’s ability to meet the environmental, economic, and social equity needs of today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
“This year’s SDAT recipients present a full range of community types and geographic settings, from urban and suburban settings to rural communities,” said Erin Simmons, director of AIA Design Assistance. “Each of these jurisdictions has demonstrated a unique commitment to building civic partnerships and engaging the community in a vision for a more sustainable future.”