The National Congress for Community Economic Development (NCCED) is the trade association for community development corporations (CDCs) and the community economic development (CED) industry. NCCED envisions a future of healthy, sustainable communities – both urban and rural - where people are valued; where all residents are encouraged and supported to achieve their highest potential, and where lasting economic viability is fostered through civic engagement, advocacy, enterprise and asset accumulation.

The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) represents developers and owners of industrial, office and related commercial real estate. The Website houses a number of reference papers, industry resources and news items.

The Brookings Institute provides and publishes independent analyses and research of key public policy issues. This link above features useful information about urban Smart Growth policies, politics and trends.

www.smartgrowth.org The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined with several non-profit and government organizations to form the Smart Growth Network (SGN). The Network was formed in response to increasing community concerns about the need for new ways to grow that boost the economy, protect the environment, and enhance community vitality. The Network's partners include environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests; local and state government entities. The SGN site provides news links, case studies and reports relating to smart growth.

The National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Local Tools for Smart Growth: PracticalStrategies and Techniques to Improve Our Communities provides a number of case studies relating to comprehensive planning, regional cooperation, citizen participation, zoning, control of local infrastructure, economic development, transportation, streamlining development review and exemplary community design practices.

Initiative For A Competitive Inner City The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by Harvard Business School Professor Michael E. Porter. ICIC's mission is to spark new thinking about the business potential of inner cities, thereby creating jobs and wealth for inner-city residents. ICIC believes that a sustainable inner city economic base will depend on private, for-profit business development and investments based on economic self-interest and genuine competitive advantage. ICIC leverages private-sector resources through a new concept of corporate philanthropy that emphasizes business-to-business relationships.

The International City/County Management Association represents the appointed managers and administrators in local governments. The ICMA Website provides a link to useful local smart growth case studies and sample local ordinances.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Growth Policy Database provide links to information about smart growth policy strategies and sample local and state policies.

The American Planning Association’s 2002 Smart Growth State of the States Report includes summaries of activity in all fifty states.

PECO Energy Economic and Business Development Department provides information on the mid-Atlantic and Philadelphia area programs. The department also offers site location and research services to companies interested in a Greater Philadelphia location.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is made up of individuals who plan, develop, and redevelop business districts, neighborhoods and communities. The ULI Website houses interesting smart growth case studies, news items, whitepapers and other useful research.