This is Smart Growth illustrates how communities can turn their visions, values, and aspirations into reality, using smart growth techniques to improve the quality of development. The publication describes how, when done well, development can help create more economic opportunities, build great places where people want to live and visit, preserve the qualities people love about their communities, and protect environmental resources. Thirty-two national organizations, representing the diverse interests of the Smart Growth Network, have approved This Is Smart Growth.

Many people want to know what smart growth looks like; This Is Smart Growth illustrates and explains smart growth concepts and outcomes. The publication features 40 places around the country, from cities to suburbs to small towns to rural communities, where good development has improved residents' quality of life. In addition to the free download available here, hard copies of the primer are available from the Smart Growth Network.