Principles of Smart Growth:

We have choices to make about what, where and how we build next. Smart Growth considers reusing, fixing, and conserving what we have before investing in new projects. Smart Growth helps builders create housing for people in various phases of life: young homebuyers on a budget; more established families who want bigger houses and yards; and elderly folks who desire less home maintenance and easily accessible services.

• Develop in the right places - near transit, empty parking lots and strip shopping centers, and the graceful expansion of towns.
• Create walkable/bikable communities with a town center
• Revitalize and reinvest in already existing communities
• Take advantage of compact building design
• Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
• Mix land use - through mixed use buildings (combining commercial, retail, and residential)
• Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas
• Provide a variety of transportation choices
• Create housing opportunities and choices
• Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective
• Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions

More Information:
Read more about Smart Growth Solutions to Better Manage Growth
Read more about the Effects of Sprawl
Read more about the Cost of Sprawl
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