Coalition for Smarter Growth

08/28/2026

🏡 Accessory homes offer flexible, affordable living, but Fairfax County’s proposed rules still keep them out of reach for most residents.

Last chance to act! Take 2 minutes to send an email to Fairfax officials today and demand sensible ALU policies: link in the comments.



Images used in this reel include:
“Converted Garage Apartment” by Sightline Housing Solutions Photo Library, CC BY 2.0
“Johnson Cottage courtesy of CAST Architecture” by Sightline Housing Solutions Photo Library, CC BY 2.0
“Tacoma-ADU-Lauren-Flemister City of Tacoma public domain” by Sightline Housing Solutions Photo Library, CC BY 2.0

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

We were deeply disappointed to learn that the County Executive once again plans to veto the appointment of Planning Board Member James Hedrick.

08/27/2026

Prince George's residents - take the survey & show your support for ADUs - accessory dwelling units! Allowing smaller homes on single family lots helps create new & more affordable housing options.

Prince George's County Council hearing ADU bill (required by state law) is 9/3/26. CM Blegay is urging residents to take the ADU survey: https://pgccouncil.us/FormCenter/Administration-8/Accessory-Dwelling-Task-Force-Questionna-644

Image credit: “Tacoma-ADU-Lauren-Flemister City of Tacoma public domain” by Sightline Housing Solutions Photo Library, CC BY 2.0

08/24/2026

A new toll lanes project would mean higher travel costs for Marylanders.

Highway developers looking to expand the Beltway and I-270 will charge exorbitantly high tolls and maintain congestion in the general purpose lanes to maximize their profit.

Tell Governor Wes Moore to say no to expensive, polluting highways.

/270

08/18/2026

🏡 Fairfax County needs more affordable housing solutions!

The County is updating its Accessory Living Unit (ALU) regulations, but proposed rules will still keep these flexible homes out of reach for most residents.

It’s time Fairfax matches regional best practices! Whether it’s helping seniors age in place or giving young adults an affordable place to land, backyard cottages and in-law suites offer a commonsense approach to relieving our housing shortage.

📩 This is our last chance to make an impact. Take 2 minutes to send an email to Fairfax County officials today and urge them to support sensible ALU policies!

👉Take Action: https://secure.everyaction.com/eHveWMxOHke2LgLujaUbQQ2

Photo credit: “ADU in Portland, WA” by Sightline Housing Solutions Photo Library, CC BY 2.0

08/14/2026

The votes are in! Congratulations to Zan Shah, winner of the “People-Centered Communities” category in Virginia Conservation Network's 2026 Photo Contest.

CSG sponsored this category to celebrate the joy of walkable neighborhoods that let people choose to drive less and connect more—bringing people together and providing major economic and environmental benefits.

We love Zan’s photo of a beautiful day in downtown Leesburg, VA at the Flower and Garden Festival as the street is transformed into a vibrant space for people.

Thank you to all who submitted photos and voted for your favorites!

08/12/2026

We're looking for a star communications intern to help CSG promote our advocacy for walkable, transit-connected communities + grow our digital presence! 🤩

Apply by August 31: https://www.smartergrowth.net/jobs/hiring-communications-intern/

08/10/2026

We're hiring! CSG is looking for candidates passionate about sustainable, equitable, transit-connected communities to join our team in two open positions: Baltimore County Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Organizer and Communications Intern.

Learn more and apply today at smartergrowth.net/jobs.

08/05/2026

Big win! 500+ homes approved on former GEICO campus

Last week, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved EYA's Friendship Commons, a plan for over 500 new homes, retail, and bike-ped connections on a vacant corporate campus next to the Friendship Heights Metro.

Huge thanks to the 50+ CSG supporters who answered our call to action and messaged the Planning Board with support in under 24 hours. Your voices made the difference alongside CSG’s testimony to push for needed housing, community spaces, and safe bike-ped connections right near the Metro.

Watch this powerful testimony by CSG's Carrie Kisicki. Building in a more sustainable way IS climate action. We are glad to see this project moving forward, and thank the community members who came forward to weigh in.

Video recording credit: Montgomery Planning YouTube Channel
Cover picture credit: EYA