Summary
When you preserve community character, protect open space and the environment, strengthen the local economy, and use tax payers dollars efficiently, then you are accomplishing Smart Growth! If you see community open space being lost, local businesses failing, your air quality deteriorating, and your commute time doubling, these are symptoms resulting from land development patterns that are expensive, inefficient, and socially isolating. In Smart Growth we are treated to the comments, analysis, and illustrations of nine urban analysts, planners, designers, developers, and city officials. They show us in seven communities across the U.S. the value of mixed land uses, walkable neighborhoods, compact design, resource efficiency, open space, investment in existing communities, and transportation choices.