With its Smart Growth Matrix (see October/November 2000)

With its Smart Growth Matrix (see October/November 2000) and other incentive programs, Austin, Texas, has provided a model for encouraging new urbanist and smart growth projects. In an article in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal, planner George Adams and David Gerard of the Department of Public Works and Transportation reveal the extent of the incentives rewarded so far. Under the Smart Growth Matrix, four projects with an estimated value of $145 million have received nearly $3 million in incentives. (One project, the Triangle, received additional money from other sources). Primary Employer Incentives are given to large employers who locate downtown or in a Desired Development Zone (DDZ). To date, three projects worth $500 million have received $32 million from the city. The city has given fee waivers and infrastructure investments to two traditional neighborhood developments (TNDs) in the amount of $12.5 million. Temple University’s Center for Sustainable Communities recently received a $1.5-million federal grant. University officials hope academic neutrality will foster agreements between competing groups, while developers and environmentalists hope the additional funding will help guide future growth in Philadelphia suburbs.