Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 801 CMR - EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE › Title 801 CMR 51.00 - Generating New State Tax Revenues And Local Tax Revenues By Stimulating Sustainable Economic Development Through Infrastructure Improvements › Appendix A - Sustainable Development Principles

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall care for the built and
				natural environment by promoting sustainable development through integrated
				energy and environment, housing and economic development, transportation and
				other policies, programs, investments, and regulations. The Commonwealth will
				encourage the coordination and cooperation of all agencies, invest public funds
				wisely in smart growth and equitable development, give priority to investments
				that will deliver good jobs and good wages, transit access, housing, and open
				space, in accordance with the following sustainable development principles.
				Furthermore, the Commonwealth shall seek to advance these principles in
				partnership with regional and municipal governments, non-profit organizations,
				business, and other stakeholders.
(1)
Concentrate Development and Mix Uses
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.
(2)
Advance
			 Equity
Promote equitable sharing of the benefits and burdens of
			 development. Provide technical and strategic support for inclusive community
			 planning and decision making to ensure social, economic, and environmental
			 justice. Ensure that the interests of future generations are not compromised by
			 today's decisions.
(3)
Make
			 Efficient Decisions
Make regulatory and permitting processes for
			 development clear, predictable, coordinated, and timely in accordance with
			 smart growth and environmental stewardship.
(4)
Protect Land and Ecosystems
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.
(5)
Use Natural Resources
			 Wisely
Construct and promote developments, buildings, and infrastructure
			 that conserve natural resources by reducing waste and pollution through
			 efficient use of land, energy, water, and materials.
(6)
Expand 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.
(7)
Provide Transportation
			 Choice
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.
(8)
Increase Job and Business
			 Opportunities
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.
(9)
Promote Clean Energy
Maximize energy efficiency and renewable
			 energy opportunities. Support energy conservation strategies, local clean power
			 generation, distributed generation technologies, and innovative industries.
			 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of fossil fuels.
(10)
Plan Regionally
Support
			 the development and implementation of local and regional, state and interstate
			 plans that have broad public support and are consistent with these principles.
			 Foster development projects, land and water conservation, transportation and
			 housing that have a regional or multi-community benefit. Consider the long-term
			 costs and benefits to the Common wealth.This information provided by the
			 Executive Office of Administration and Finance.