Smart growth is about protecting our environment,farmlands, wetlands and open spaces. It also means finding economically sound ways to reuse brownfields. It means design innovations that make development easier on the environment. Smart growth is about using resources wisely. Encouraging development along corridors that make public transit viable-not to force people out of their cars but to give people who prefer public transit a choice.
Smart growth is about regionalism.
As cities grow and transportation and communications enable communities to interact more, the need for regional growth strategies becomes greater than ever. Community and business leaders make decisions based on a clear understanding of regional growth needs and projections. Smart growth is about working together. Everybody gets a seat at the table. Developers, businesses, public officials, environmental advocates and ordinary citizens have an opportunity to participate and be heard on decisions affecting land use, transit or incentives.