Smart Growth
Field(s):
Community Development, Environmental Planning, Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Recovery, Housing Planning, Economic Development, Land Use & Law , Transportation Planning, Rural and Agricultural Planning, Urban Design
Region of Focus:
General
Smart growth is a development strategy that promotes sustainable, equitable, and efficient urban expansion by focusing on compact, walkable, and transit-oriented communities.
Smart growth principles include mixed-use development, preservation of open space, infill development, and investment in public transportation. This approach aims to reduce sprawl, protect natural resources, and enhance quality of life by creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods with access to jobs, housing, and amenities.
Smart growth is widely adopted as a framework for addressing the challenges of urbanization and climate change.
Last update:
September 10, 2025