The Smart Growth Network developed a set of 10 basic principles to guide smart growth strategies:
- Mix land uses.
- Take advantage of compact building design.
- Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
- Create walkable neighborhoods.
- Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.
- Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas.
- Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities.
- Provide a variety of transportation choices.
- Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.
- Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.
The Smart Growth Network’s Getting to Smart Growth series provides 200 policies (Getting to Smart Growth Volume I and Volume II) that communities can consider implementing to make sure that development happens how and where they want it.