Smart growth

Definition

Smart growth is an urban planning approach that promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly development patterns to create vibrant, livable communities. It emphasizes the efficient use of land resources, prioritizing mixed-use development, public transportation, and walkable neighborhoods to reduce reliance on automobiles and improve overall quality of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Smart growth principles aim to reduce urban sprawl by promoting compact, walkable communities with mixed land uses.
2. Implementing smart growth can lead to decreased traffic congestion and improved air quality due to reduced vehicle emissions.
3. Smart growth encourages the preservation of open spaces and natural resources by focusing development in already urbanized areas.
4. Public participation is a key component of smart growth planning, ensuring that community needs and preferences are considered in decision-making.
5. Smart growth strategies can enhance economic vitality by attracting businesses and residents seeking high-quality urban environments.

Review Questions

• How does smart growth influence the design of transit-oriented developments?
  • Smart growth significantly shapes transit-oriented developments by promoting high-density, mixed-use environments that are easily accessible by public transportation. This approach encourages developers to create residential and commercial spaces near transit stations, which facilitates greater public transit usage and reduces reliance on cars. By prioritizing walkability and connectivity, smart growth fosters vibrant neighborhoods that enhance the overall quality of life for residents while supporting sustainable urban mobility.
• Evaluate the role of multimodal integration in achieving the goals of smart growth.
  • Multimodal integration is essential for smart growth as it connects various forms of transportation—like buses, trains, cycling, and walking—creating a comprehensive network that enhances accessibility. By designing cities where different transport modes work together seamlessly, residents can easily choose sustainable travel options. This not only reduces traffic congestion but also supports the development of compact communities where people can live, work, and play without excessive dependence on cars.
• Assess how smart growth principles can be applied to mitigate urban challenges in rapidly growing cities.
  • Applying smart growth principles in rapidly growing cities can significantly mitigate urban challenges like sprawl, congestion, and environmental degradation. By encouraging mixed-use developments and efficient land use, cities can create more compact living spaces that reduce travel distances. Additionally, prioritizing public transportation and multimodal options helps lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving air quality. Engaging local communities in the planning process ensures that developments reflect residents' needs, fostering social equity and enhancing overall community resilience.

Related terms

Transit-oriented development: A type of urban development that focuses on creating dense, mixed-use communities around transit hubs to promote public transportation use and reduce car dependency.

Multimodal transportation: A transportation system that integrates various modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, public transit, and driving, to provide seamless connectivity and accessibility.

Sustainable development: A development approach that seeks to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives.