Smart growth is generally described as ten principles of land use and development that lead to stronger, healthier communities:

  • Mix land uses.
  • Create walkable neighborhoods.
  • Provide a variety of transportation choices.
  • Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
  • Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.
  • Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas.
  • Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities.
  • Adopt compact building patterns and efficient infrastructure design.
  • Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective.
  • Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration.
  • Learn more about these principles in our best practices matrix