I like to bring all parties to the table, agree on a common goal, then create the tools to help achieve that goal. I believe that when it comes to smart growth, the state is more effective as a partner than as a policeman. That does not mean we will back down from protecting the environment or preserving resources. It means we believe more in the power of incentive than the weight of restriction. Incentives encourage companies, developers, homeowners, and others to locate in areas they never before considered.
Incentives inspire new thinking, foster better cooperation, and build a better product.
To develop new incentives to boost our Smart Growth policies, I've directed my Chief of Management and Policy to work with the Secretary of Commerce and Economic Growth. They will be reaching out to a number of you for your ideas. Those incentives could include enhanced tax credits for development. They might include creative new tools, such as Renaissance Zones, a concept they're using in Michigan. This concept provides additional financial incentives within the most blighted areas of enterprise zones to encourage businesses to locate there.