Smart growth makes places work better for all the people who live there. The smart growth movement creates communities that are prosperous, resilient, and well-connected to essential destinations no matter how you choose to get around. What is smart growth? Smart growth is an approach to building neighborhoods that provides people with different types of housing at affordable levels, ways to get where they need to go both in and out of a car, and puts the things they need close to where they live. A smart growth approach utilizes five key principles: Build connected communities Locate the things people need (jobs, groceries, schools, etc) close to where they live. Make transportation accessible Build a safe transportation system that connects people to jobs and other needs, whether they drive, take transit, walk, or bike. Build for everyone Make sure people can afford to live in smart growth communities at all stages of life. Center community voice Give people a say in what is built in their own neighborhoods. Invest in Main Streets Focus development in existing communities with a strong sense of place. Learn more about Smart Growth America