The Goals of Smart Growth
Smart growth can help communities achieve their shared vision by building on these goals:
Healthier, Safer Communities
The central goal of any smart growth plan or project is to improve the quality of the neighborhoods where we live. Our efforts should make our communities healthier, safer, more convenient, more attractive and more affordable.
Protecting the Environment
Neighborhoods designed to reduce our dependence on automobiles also reduce our impact on the environment. By creating streetscapes that encourage walking or biking, we create opportunities for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.
Better Access, Less Traffic
MMixing land uses, clustering development, and providing multiple transportation choices helps us to encourage healthier lifestyles, manage congestion, pollute less and save energy.
Thriving Cities, Suburbs And Towns
By guiding development to existing towns and cities, we maximize our investments in transportation, schools, libraries and other public services. Our public dollars can serve the communities where people live today.
Shared Benefits
Building a comprehensive transportation system and locating jobs and accessible housing within reach of each other expands opportunities for all income levels.
Lower Costs, Lower Taxes
Taking advantage of existing infrastructure keeps taxes down. Convenient transportation choices also reduce our household transportation costs, leaving our families with more money for other needs.
Keeping Open Space Open
Protecting our natural resources creates healthier air and cleaner drinking water. From forests and farms to wetlands and wildlife, let us pass on to our children the landscapes we love.
Smart growth achieves these goals through the Ten Principles of Smart Growth.
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