Smart growth is development that serves the community, the economy, and the environment. It is based on planning decisions and service delivery policies that recognize the connection between development and quality of life. As the level of government responsible for land use decision-making and many other activities that directly influence land use, local governments are critical to the success of sustainable communities.

Smart Growth at ICMA

ICMA has worked on smart growth related issues since the 1990s, and is a founding partner of both the Smart Growth Network and the National Vacant Properties Campaign.  ICMA’s Smart Growth Program is a multifaceted initiative that highlights issues related to strategic planning, implementation, and best management practices. Through our work on smart growth, ICMA has coordinated membership for the Smart Growth Network, provided expert advice, and developed publications, workshops, and other information resources on smart growth. ICMA has also researched communities that have updated their zoning and other codes to promote smart growth and has led several workshops on the management practices and planning functions necessary to implement these changes. Many local codes and ordinances, research documents, statutes, and policies are available at no charge in ICMA’s e-library and are listed below as a result of a project conducted by ICMA and the Local Government Commission, funded by the Bank of America and the Surdna Foundation. For more information on smart growth and ICMA’s work on this topic, visit the smart growth topic page on the Knowledge Network.