Smart growth

Definition

Smart growth is an urban planning and transportation theory that promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly development practices. This approach focuses on creating compact, walkable communities that enhance the quality of life while minimizing urban sprawl and preserving natural resources. Smart growth emphasizes a balanced mix of land uses, efficient public transportation, and the integration of green spaces to foster healthier living environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Smart growth principles aim to reduce dependence on cars by promoting walking, biking, and public transit usage, leading to less traffic congestion.
2. The smart growth approach often incorporates mixed-use development, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist to create vibrant communities.
3. Smart growth advocates for the preservation of open spaces and agricultural land, recognizing the importance of nature in urban environments.
4. Community engagement is a key component of smart growth planning, ensuring that residents have a say in how their neighborhoods are developed.
5. Implementing smart growth strategies can lead to economic benefits, including increased property values and lower infrastructure costs due to more efficient land use.

Review Questions

• How does smart growth contribute to reducing urban sprawl and promoting sustainable urban development?
  • Smart growth contributes to reducing urban sprawl by advocating for compact, mixed-use developments that minimize the need for extensive land consumption. By creating walkable communities with access to public transportation, smart growth discourages the spread of low-density suburban areas. This approach promotes sustainability by preserving open spaces and reducing reliance on automobiles, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a healthier environment.
• Discuss the role of community engagement in the smart growth planning process and its impact on urban development outcomes.
  • Community engagement is crucial in the smart growth planning process as it ensures that local residents' voices are heard and considered in development decisions. By involving the community, planners can better understand the specific needs and desires of the population, which can lead to more tailored solutions that enhance quality of life. This participatory approach fosters trust between developers and residents, resulting in more successful urban developments that reflect community values.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of adopting smart growth principles on economic development and environmental sustainability in urban areas.
  • Adopting smart growth principles can lead to significant long-term benefits for both economic development and environmental sustainability in urban areas. Economically, smart growth can boost property values, attract businesses, and reduce infrastructure costs by making efficient use of existing resources. Environmentally, it helps preserve natural habitats and reduces carbon footprints through decreased vehicle usage and enhanced public transportation systems. Together, these outcomes contribute to healthier cities that are more resilient against climate change.

Related terms

Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land, often leading to increased reliance on automobiles and loss of open space.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, focusing on environmental preservation and resource conservation.

Transit-Oriented Development: A type of urban development that maximizes access to public transportation and encourages higher density living near transit stations.