Some communities that are thinking about these things are embracing smart growth. Smart growth is a way of thinking about community growth that recognizes connections between development and the quality of life. It is not anti-growth but rather leverages new growth to improve the community.
Smart growth varies from place to place.
In general, smart growth invests time, attention and resources in restoring community and vitality to center cities and older suburbs. New smart growth is more town-centered, is transit and pedestrian oriented, and has a greater mix of housing, commercial and retail uses. It also preserves open space and other environmental amenities. And their plans for development reflect these values. The smart growth movement is spurred by demographic shifts, a strengthening environmental ethic, increased fiscal concerns at all levels of government and more nuanced views of growth.