Smart Growth Tactics, Issue 1: Sprawl and Smart Growth

Smart Growth Tactics

Michigan Association of Planning Advances Michigan Land Use Leadership Council (MLULC) Recommendations

Smart growth is fast becoming the catch word for best practices in urban and regional planning. The term doesn’t suggest that prior practices were promoting “dumb” growth, but like every profession, industry, and society we evolve, and so too has the concept of wise land use. While the results of past practices have perhaps had unintended consequences, the planning industry has continually readjusted its approaches over the years to respond to change. The “smart growth” approach is an example of this, as community planners adapt to shifting trends, and develop improved “best practices”.

These "How To” publications cover a variety of topics related to land use planning. Eight initial issues were funded by People and Land (PAL), with topics taken directly from the MLULC report. This series provides communities with alternatives to existing land development regulations that, when implemented, will demonstrate that development patterns other than sprawl can be achieved. Rather than waiting for new legislative or regulatory change, communities implementing these best practices will become the leaders of tomorrow’s Michigan.

Additional issues in the series are available as a member benefit. For more information on becoming a MAP member, please click here.