Issues: Smart Growth


Picturing Smart Growth

Cities and towns across the country are embracing smart growth as a better solution to meet the needs of their growing populations. See visions for how 70 U.S. communities could apply smart growth principles that accommodate growth and development while saving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods and helping cool the planet.

News and Issues Highlights
LEED for Neighborhood Development
New standards created by an NRDC partnership are providing a guide for developers and communities to build greener neighborhoods.

Reducing the Miles We Drive
A bill in Congress known as CLEAN-TEA would help reduce global warming pollution through more efficient land use and transportation alternatives.

Affordable Green Housing
The Green Communities Initiative is building thousands of affordable, environmentally friendly homes across the country.

Building Better Communities
Smart growth strategies can save Americans thousands of dollars a year in transportation costs while improving quality of life.

California's Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act
California's SB 375 is the nation's first legislation to link transportation and land use planning with global warming.

What You Can Do
See how communities like yours are fighting sprawl

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Kaid Benfield's Blog

Kaid Benfield writes about development, community and the environment on Switchboard.


Kaid's Recent Posts

Walk Score incorporates transit, real estate industry takes note
posted by Kaid Benfield, 11/6/09
Federal officials, other leaders stress “sustainable communities” at national planning forum
posted by Kaid Benfield, 11/5/09
All aboard: Cincinnati voters emphatically reject anti-streetcar measure
posted by Kaid Benfield, 11/4/09

Related NRDC Press Releases

8/11/2009
Report: Arid West Can Help Meet Its Water Needs While Reducing Energy Use
6/25/2009
Report Provides Blueprint for Communities to Tackle Global Warming
12/18/2008
Appointment of LaHood Signals Need for New Approach to Transportation Sector

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