The Washington-based American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Communities by Design has selected five cities for its Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program. The cities — Tucson, Ariz.; Culver City, Calif.; Dubuque, Iowa; Central, La.; and Albany, N.Y. — will receive assistance from architects and other professionals to develop sustainable plans to meet a community’s environmental, economic and social equity needs now and in the future.

“The SDAT program has tackled difficult issues like breaking down barriers to regional cooperation as well as improving transportation infrastructure and options, air and water quality, local economic development and general revitalization strategies,” says David Downey, AIA Center for Communities by Design managing director. The SDAT program includes a preliminary visit, a three-day visit from a multidisciplinary team, a report on the communities’ strengths and weaknesses in achieving sustainability, consultations and a follow-up visit one year after the report is delivered.