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UT Extension Smart Growth

What is Smart Growth?

Smart Growth is a community-based approach on how the community grows; looking at economics, geography, society and the environment. It is an on-going process that guides communities in making decisions about how and where they grow. Smart Growth principles encourage economic development and the creation of jobs; create safe and secure neighborhoods with a wide range of housing, commercial and transportation options; encourage residents to be active and adopt healthy lifestyles; and value protection of the environment.

Smart Growth Principles

  1. Mix land use.
  2. Take advantage of compact building design.
  3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
  4. Create walkable neighborhoods.
  5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.
  6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas.
  7. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities.
  8. Provide a variety of transportation choices.
  9. Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective.
  10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

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UT Extension Family & Consumer Sciences

Martha Keel, PhD
Housing & Environmental Health Specialist
119 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-4501
Phone: (865) 974-8197
Fax: (865) 974-5370
Email: mkeel@utk.edu