Next Steps for Smart Growth (April 2007)

A timely opportunity exists to make significant progress in smart growth implementation by focusing the numerous and diffuse smart growth constituents on a small number of high impact changes-a smart growth action agenda. The diversity and number of our partners and issues in smart growth is both a strength and a weakness. It's a strength because of the uncommon partnerships it can create and the comprehensive solutions that are possible. It is a weakness because the partners are focused on every possible solution that can be imagined: public charrettes, health impact statements, transportation reform, zoning changes, schools as centers of community, transit funding formulas, etc. The diffusion and dispersed nature of our efforts reduces the power and effectiveness of the efforts. This issue is particularly salient now-when big, discreet changes are possible if, and only if, our efforts can be focused. As a result, the Agenda will not be comprehensive. It will be limited to a small number of high impact actions supported by a range of organizations. This strategy to change development patterns is about capitalizing on and focusing the work of constituencies that have supported smart growth concepts. Several macro trends favor smart growth and illustrate which issues should be addressed in creating and implementing the Action Agenda.

The 6th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Los Angeles was the initial venue for developing the Action Agenda. At the end of each breakout session the audience and speakers were asked to identify key issues and related actions that could serve as the core of the Agenda. From over 80 breakout sessions, more than 500 ideas were shared (not all sessions undertook this exercise). These suggestions represented the "raw data" of what participants thought smart growth advocates should be addressing. This information was organized and sorted by topic and its viability as an effective action. There was much duplication in ideas and suggestions - a testament to the consensus and understanding of the issues. The following is a preliminary list of general topic headings and related actions. Once again, this list is not intended to be either comprehensive or exhaustive. The ideas represent feedback from participants based on subjects discussed in the sessions, rather than a comprehensive list of all topics and actions related to smart growth. For example, while climate change related to several breakout sessions, there were no compelling ideas or actions offered specifically on climate change. However, many of the individual transportation, land use, or green building actions can be viewed together as a climate change strategy. It is not useful, nor efficient for the Action Agenda to try to include any and all possible ideas. It should focus on specific high impact actions that will be more powerful if implemented and proven effective by a range of groups across the country.

At this time, the condensed list of topics/actions is being shared with conference attendees and the general public to get your reaction and feedback. We are asking you to review the list and provide suggestions to enhance or add to the information provided. Specifically we are seeking additional details and recommendations to clarify and direct the actions provided. New topics or actions should only be offered if they are complete thoughts including a description of the action, identification of the responsible party for implementing the action, a time frame for action and any other supporting details. Comments must be emailed to Michele Kelso Warren at mkwarren@lgc.org by May 21.

Draft Smart Growth Action Agenda (PDF)

This feedback element is a critical piece in developing the Smart Growth Action Agenda. A workgroup that involves conference organizer the Local Government Commission and a few other national partners has been identifying relevant constituents to work with them to further develop the agenda into more detailed strategies, based on your feedback and other expertise. The third step will be to develop a workplan for each strategy within the Smart Growth Action Agenda. This work will continue through 2007. Our goal is to release results and findings of this undertaking prior to the 7th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, February 7-9 2008 in Washington, DC. Plenary and breakout sessions will be developed according to the ideas in the Smart Growth Action Agenda.

If you have questions about this process or the Smart Growth Action Agenda, please contact Michele Warren at 916-448-1198 x 308 or Kevin Nelson at 202-566-2835.