EPA has added a new category for neighborhood and non-governmental governmental organizations as part of its award program for excellence in Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging. The award program will continue to recognize public-sector entities, including all levels of elected governments, from city councils to state legislatures, and their constituent parts such as planning departments and other executive branch divisions.

Entities with the best and most inclusive overall approach to implementing smart growth and active aging on a variety of fronts at the neighborhood, tribe, city, county, and regional level will be recognized in this new category. Applications are due July 17, 2009.

Four communities and local government agencies were recently given the 2008 Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging award. This award program recognizes outstanding community planning and strategies that support active aging and smart growth, which improve the quality of life of older residents.

For more information on the application process: