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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: 

April 16, 2025

Developed by:
The Urban Lexis Editorial Team


Contributor(s):

Jing Zhang, AICP


With support from:
ChatGPT (by OpenAI) and DeepSeek


We acknowledge the assistance of AI tools in helping draft content. Final edits, fact-checking, and curatorial decisions were made by the Urban Lexis Editorial Team to ensure quality and relevance for our planning community.

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