The Revitalist

The EPA's has published online a new resource called Smart Growth Illustrated. It lays out 10 principles of Smart Growth planning and design and links to two examples of each principle. They are:

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

Once again the majority of the examples are in the West, with a smattering of Southeastern sites thrown in. Are there no good smart growth projects in midwest or northeast? (I'm not trying to be snide, just asking.)

This list is inspiring because it looks beyond project-level development and sets out goals for communities and municipalities. I particularly like "Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair and Cost Effective" - not only will the efficiencies save money, but you will encourage more investment if the process is predictable and reasonable. If a community could be united around these principles, wouldn't you want to live there? People would be beating down the door.