Enhance Quality of Life

Smart Growth communities are designed to attract a diverse population of residents and businesses — then keep them there, with pedestrian-oriented walkable neighborhoods, diverse housing and an array of local businesses and services. Nearby resources minimize car trips and maximize walking, bike-riding and person-to-person interaction. It is compact land-use planning at its best, including commercial, office, public, and recreational uses.

Promote Economic Development

Attract businesses and jobs to locations near housing, infrastructure, and transportation options. Promote economic development in industry clusters. Expand access to education, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Support the growth of local businesses, including sustainable natural resource-based businesses, such as agriculture, forestry, clean energy technology, and fisheries.

Create Livable Communities

Support the revitalization of city and town centers and neighborhoods by promoting development that is compact, conserves land, protects historic resources, and integrates uses. Encourage remediation and reuse of existing sites, structures, and infrastructure rather than new construction in undeveloped areas. Create pedestrian-friendly districts and neighborhoods that mix commercial, civic, cultural, educational, and recreational activities with open spaces and homes.

Promote Alternative Transportation

Maintain and expand transportation options that maximize mobility, reduce congestion, conserve fuel, and improve air quality. Prioritize rail, bus, boat, rapid and surface transit, shared-vehicle and shared-ride services, bicycling, and walking. Invest strategically in existing and new passenger and freight transportation infrastructure that supports sound economic development consistent with Smart Growth objectives.

Create a Range of Housing Opportunities

Support the construction and rehabilitation of homes to meet the needs of people of all abilities, income levels, and household types. Build homes near jobs, transit, and where services are available. Foster the development of housing, particularly multifamily and smaller single-family homes, in a way that is compatible with a community's character and vision and with providing new housing choices for people of all means.

Preserve Open Space, Natural Resources & Environment

Protect and restore environmentally sensitive lands, natural resources, agricultural lands, critical habitats, wetlands and water resources, and cultural and historic landscapes. Increase the quantity, quality, and accessibility of open spaces and recreational opportunities.

Goal 1: Build Complete Neighborhoods for All

Principles

• Integrate housing, transportation, and daily services within walkable distances

• Ensure neighborhoods welcome residents of all incomes and backgrounds

• Design for both current livability and future climate resilience

• Create distinctive places that reflect local character and culture

Goal 1: 2: Prioritize People and Place in All Development

Principles

• Center community voice in land use and development decisions

• Design streets and spaces that enhance the quality of life of people in communities

• Preserve and enhance the unique character of each neighborhood

• Build social connections through thoughtful public space design 

Goal 3: Grow Prosperity from Within

Principles

• Support local businesses and create neighborhood-serving commercial areas

• Develop workforce opportunities accessible to existing residents

• Capture development value for community benefit

• Prevent displacement while encouraging positive change

Goal 4: Create Resilient and Regenerative Communities

Principles

• Design with nature to manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve air quality

• Build infrastructure that adapts to changing climate conditions

• Use resources efficiently while enhancing quality of life

• Create multiple benefits from every green space investment

Goal 5: Connect Communities at Every Scale

Principles

• Link neighborhoods through safe, accessible transportation networks

• Foster collaboration between jurisdictions for regional benefit

• Build partnerships between residents, businesses, and institutions

• Share knowledge and resources across communities