Smart Growth

Definition

Smart growth is an urban planning approach that promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly development by encouraging compact, mixed-use communities, efficient transportation, and the preservation of natural resources. This method seeks to create livable neighborhoods that reduce reliance on automobiles, protect open spaces, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Smart growth emphasizes the importance of mixed-use development, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist to foster vibrant communities.
2. This approach encourages transit-oriented development, promoting the creation of neighborhoods around public transportation hubs to reduce car dependency.
3. Urban growth boundaries are often implemented as part of smart growth strategies to contain urban sprawl and preserve agricultural and natural lands.
4. Infill development is a key aspect of smart growth, focusing on repurposing underutilized land within existing urban areas rather than expanding outward.
5. Smart growth incorporates climate action planning by considering the impacts of urban development on greenhouse gas emissions and prioritizing sustainable practices.

Review Questions

• How does smart growth influence the design and layout of urban areas to enhance community living?
  • Smart growth influences urban design by promoting compact, mixed-use developments that create walkable neighborhoods where residents can live, work, and play. By integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, smart growth fosters a sense of community and reduces reliance on automobiles. It encourages the use of public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, contributing to healthier lifestyles and vibrant local economies.
• Discuss the role of urban growth boundaries in achieving smart growth objectives within a city.
  • Urban growth boundaries play a crucial role in achieving smart growth objectives by establishing limits on where urban development can occur. This helps contain urban sprawl and protects surrounding agricultural land and natural resources from being developed. By directing growth inward towards existing urban areas through policies like infill development, cities can maximize land use efficiency and enhance community connections while minimizing environmental impacts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in implementing smart growth initiatives and their impact on community sustainability.
  • Public-private partnerships can be highly effective in implementing smart growth initiatives by combining resources, expertise, and investment from both sectors. These collaborations often lead to innovative projects that promote sustainable development while addressing community needs. For instance, they can facilitate the creation of mixed-use developments or transit-oriented projects that enhance access to amenities. By leveraging the strengths of both public agencies and private developers, these partnerships can significantly improve the sustainability of communities while fostering economic growth.

Related terms

Urban Sprawl:

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land, often leading to increased traffic, pollution, and loss of agricultural land.

Sustainable Transportation: Transportation systems that minimize environmental impact and promote alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as public transit, biking, and walking.

Zoning Regulations:

Laws that dictate how land can be used in different areas of a city or town, influencing development patterns and community layouts.