Across the nation, there is a growing concern that current development patterns -- some call "sprawl" -- are no longer in the long-term interest of our cities, existing suburbs, small towns, rural communities, or wilderness areas. Though supportive of growth, communities are questioning the economic costs of abandoning infrastructure in the city, only to rebuild it further out.

The Smart Growth Principles are the following:

• Create a range of housing opportunities and choices

• Create walkable neighborhoods

• Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration

• Foster Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place

• Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair and Cost Effective

• Mix Land Uses

• Preserve Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty and Critical Environmental Areas

• Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices

• Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing Communities

• Take Advantage of Compact Building Design

Further information can be found at Smart Growth Online.