How we work Smart growth looks different from place to place—it’s an overall approach to development that encourages a mix of building types and uses, diverse housing and transportation options, development within existing neighborhoods, and robust community engagement. Our focus areas—transportation and land use—are deeply connected. How and where we build housing, jobs, and services directly impact how people move through their communities. Sprawling, car-dependent development limits options and strains resources, while smart growth prioritizes building within existing neighborhoods to support affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. By aligning land use, housing, and transportation, we can create vibrant, inclusive places where people can thrive, no matter how they choose to get around.
Transportation and Complete Streets Housing and development At Smart Growth America, we work alongside communities of all sizes to create places where people can thrive. Our goals reflect the key areas where we seek to make an impact—advancing smart, equitable, and sustainable development that benefits everyone. Click to learn more about how we are working to bring about measurable change:
Explore how Smart Growth America impacts communities. How we do it At the core of our overall approach is empowering communities through direct community support, powerful advocacy, and thought leadership to realize our vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity.
Direct community support Smart Growth America’s Technical Assistance programs work alongside and within communities of all sizes and organizations to build support for policies and practices that will lead to healthy, prosperous, and resilient places. Powerful advocacy Smart Growth America collaborates with Congress and the administration to ensure federal policies foster economically strong, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable communities nationwide. Impactful research and reports Smart Growth America guides leaders in creating inclusive, efficient, and sustainable living environments through thought leadership, sharing cutting-edge insights and innovative strategies. Resources News Our programs and coalitions At Smart Growth America, our various programs and coalitions work collaboratively to shape communities where people thrive. Through research, advocacy, and hands-on support, our network of advocates, decision-makers, and field experts work together to advance policies and practices that prioritize safety, equity, and sustainability. Join the Movement Support policies and initiatives that promote smart growth, equitable development, and access to affordable housing.