The following article explains what actions counties can take to promote Smart Growth in their areas. California's population of 33 million people is projected to increase by 50 percent in the next 20 years. Californians from all walks of life are worried about the potential impacts of this growth. Many fear that if low-density suburban sprawl continues unchecked, our quality of life will deteriorate drastically in the years ahead. Californians are right to be concerned.
Runaway sprawl causes traffic congestion, air pollution and long commutes.
People have less time for their families and communities. Farmland and natural areas are paved over and destroyed. City centers, rural main streets and residential neighborhoods deteriorate as fiscally driven planning decisions stretch public services to the limit and drain the economic vitality from existing cities and towns. This means state policies to ensure that California has excellent schools, affordable housing near jobs, efficient transportation alternatives, safe neighborhoods, good libraries, parks and open space, and a clean and healthy environment. CFN is a statewide coalition of more than 50 business, labor, agricultural, environmental, urban, housing, social justice, and local government organizations from throughout the state.