Buzzword in
politics and
public policy as planners try to balance
economic and
population growth with
quality of life issues, especially in the
United States. Traditionally, local economic growth has meant
suburban sprawl, and an increase in
traffic congestion,
air pollution, and a corresponding decrease in
open space/
wilderness areas. Smart growth focuses on using economic growth to enhance existing urban and town communities as vibrant centers of
culture and
commerce while preserving
natural resources.
Components of smart growth may include community involvement in urban planning, transit-centered development, pedestrian and bicycle friendly development, neighborhoods zoned for mixed use, urban infill, and re-use or rehabilitation of "brownfields."