This USDA effort was created to promote new economic opportunities by better connecting consumers with local producers. It is the start of a national conversation about the importance of understanding where your food comes from and how it gets to your plate. The USDA is marshaling resources to help create the link between local production and local consumption.
More than a trend, locally sourced food may be a way to keep local economies thriving. But without numbers, it's impossible to know what the impact is. A new report planned for this spring will examine the seven counties of Southwest Idaho, plus two counties in Oregon. Instead of encouraging agriculture entrepreneurs just to grow vegetables, the analysis will help them find the weaknesses in the local food system so they can focus on them. The report will include data that will show how much money is leaving the region to buy food that could be grown or raised in the region. To read more, click here
Smart, Green & Growing Planning Guide (MD)
This resource outlines Maryland’s long-range, multi-agency initiative focused on protecting the state's precious, yet limited, air, water and land resources in every region of the state. Sound land use planning, from State smart growth programs to local government and citizen actions, is a critical piece in this Smart, Green & Growing strategy. To learn more: http://www.green.maryland.gov/
Taking Back Foreclosed Properties to Benefit the Community
US Department of Housing and Urban Development has released a report about how local governments can enable productive reuse of these properties and simultaneously address the affordable housing crisis by creating public entities known as land banks to acquire, hold, and manage foreclosed properties.
Best Practices 
