Smart Growth
Smart growth has been defined as land use policy that covers a range of development and conservation strategies that help protect our natural environment and make our communities more attractive, economically stronger, and more socially diverse. Smart growth values long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over a short-term focus. Its goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place; expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health. Historic preservation plays an important part in achieving Smart Growth.
Our Position
The National Trust for Historic Preservation believes that the strength of America's historic and older neighborhoods is critical to the future of our communities, and that improving housing is a key element of any community revitalization strategy. Our goal is to prevent unnecessary demolition, and to restore, rehab, and reuse existing structures, while helping to ensure that needed new construction is compatible and complementary with the character of our older and historic resources.
Learn More
While these examples of policies are widely applicable, state enabling laws for planning and zoning vary from state to state. Local government officials and others considering these tools should consult with knowledgeable legal authorities in their jurisdictions while examining the recommended policies.
For more information on these topics visit the National Trust's Main Street website.
Smart Growth Toolkit
The National Trust's Smart Growth Toolkit provides you with several progressive smart growth tools to combat sprawl while preserving the uniqueness and economic health of your town.
Other Resources
Urbane Renewalist
Author John O’hara once wrote, after the death of his friend George Gershwin, “I don’t have to believe that if I don’t want to.” That’s pretty much how I felt when I learned of Jane Jacobs’ death in April.
Two towns, two schools—same story?
The district's school board is deciding whether it should continue with plans to renovate Stroudsburg High School’s existing building on West Main Street or build a new one on Chipperfield Drive instead. The dispute attracted the attention of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which mentioned the city as the site of one of many ongoing conflicts over the fates of neighborhood schools in a report titled "Why Johnny Can't Walk to School: Historic Neighborhood Schools in the Age of Sprawl."
The Short Answer: Bruce Babbitt
interview with Bruce Babbitt
Sprawling, Sprawling ...
Reversing or even slowing this trend will require a whole new way of thinking by local planners, federal regulatory agencies, developers and homebuyers. Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, thinks that's going to happen: "People are willing to pay [for mass transit and open space]; they are willing to accept regulations," he says, "because this issue more than any other affects the quality of life in communities today."
SPEECH: Making Room for the Past in Cedar Rapids' Future
This speech was presented by Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation, on December 4, 2006 at the Rotary Club Luncheon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
