Brandon Kim, Communications Intern

August 4, 2025

SAJE is excited to announce we have been chosen to participate in Smart Growth America’s inaugural Zoning for Equitable Solutions and Thriving (ZEST) Communities cohort. Smart Growth America is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, working to “build more livable, connected communities.” They launched ZEST to cultivate a national network of community-based organizations dedicated to zoning reforms that will “create healthy and prosperous communities across the country.”

The primary issue ZEST aims to address is health inequities in disadvantaged communities. Across the US, because of a history of racist zoning laws like redlining, Black and Brown neighborhoods often lack “people-centered infrastructure” such as sidewalks, tree shade, and green spaces. These amenities promote physical and mental well being as well as mitigate the health effects of extreme heat due to climate change. In fact, studies indicate that Black residents are 52% more likely to live in communities with large amounts of heat-risk-related land cover, such as asphalt or concrete, than white residents. 

As ZEST participants, SAJE staff will receive technical assistance and training so that we can better empower local residents to reform unjust land-use policies, advocate for improvements to the built environment, and improve community health. We will also have opportunities to connect with like-minded community-based organizations around the US committed to fighting for healthier neighborhoods. Participating organizations will be invited to share lessons and strengthen the growing movement for equitable zoning.