Creating an accessible and sustainable environment is an important goal of Smart Growth strategies. This type of development should support multiple forms of transportation, including walking, cycling, public transit, and delivery services. Additionally, it should encourage the development of more compact urban neighborhoods and suburban master-plan developments that incorporate these principles. In addition, Smart Growth communities should have a high standard of maintenance and be visually appealing. This helps to prevent air pollution, promote energy efficiency, and support environmental goals.
In addition to increasing accessibility and affordability, Smart Growth can reduce transportation costs. By encouraging compact development, it can reduce the need for vehicles and preserve environmentally sensitive areas. It can also encourage more walking and bicycling facilities, and mix land uses. The goal of Smart Growth communities is to reduce energy consumption per capita and increase the use of public transit. These measures can make housing more affordable and reduce transportation costs, leaving more money for housing. However, these strategies do not address the challenges associated with aging infrastructure, which may result in higher property taxes.
Developing a comprehensive plan is the first step to implementing Smart Growth Strategies. This plan can be updated through community-wide discussion. It can also evaluate and compare alternative growth strategies. By partnering with a range of stakeholders, municipalities can develop a shared vision for their community’s future. A comprehensive plan should include clear short and long-term goals, as well as details of policy changes. In addition, it should incorporate all ten smart growth principles.