The kids are alright - Smart Growth America grabs a good one

As you know, I've been sad to see my friend Don Chen leave Smart Growth America, the national coalition that Don and a handful of others including myself founded several years ago to promote sustainable development. 

Fortunately, I can now report that this cloud has sprouted the most silver of linings.  The most able Geoff Anderson, pictured on the far left, will be taking over as SGA's new president and executive director.  In my opinion, there could be no better choice.

Geoff has headed up the Development, Community and Environment Division of the US Environmental Agency (aka "EPA's smart growth office") for most of the last decade, and he has been superb in navigating the tricky political waters of maintaining support for our issue in administrations not known for being innovative in promoting environmental proection, and he has also been a master at bringing together a diverse collection of interests (e.g., NRDC, the National Association of Realtors, and the Florida Department of Public Heath, to name just three) around a common purpose.  Geoff's office has also funded some of the best research in the field and provided seed money for important initiatives like LEED for Neighborhood Development.  He knows the field, knows the participants, and is one of the nicest guys on the planet.

Congratulations both to Geoff and SGA!  Read the press release here.