Smart growth elsewhere

Massachusetts An executive order, “Planning for Growth,” signed in April 1996 directs state agencies to promote the reuse of existing infrastructure and downtown revitalization in permitting, funding and construction decisions. The program also provides grants, on a merit basis, to municipalities that create plans to reuse and revitalize existing infrastructure. Technical assistance is provided, and local officials are educated about compact, pedestrian-oriented development, i.e. “smart growth,” says John Lipman, director of growth planning. Colorado Colorado’s Smart Growth and Development Initiative, created in 1994 by Gov. Roy Romer, has limited funding and power, but it has become a forum to discuss growth issues and innovative ways to deal with sprawl. Among winners of Colorado Smart Growth awards are the City of Broomfield, which approved a master plan by Calthorpe Associates, and Prospect, a traditional neighborhood development designed by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company. Georgia A proposed second beltway around Atlanta, 211 miles long, was the catalyst behind the this state’s smart growth movement. The Georgia Conservancy, an influential environmental advocacy group, has taken the leadership role on this initiative. The group started by sponsoring a “highly effective” series of lectures by proponents of the New Urbanism, including Peter Calthorpe, Peter Katz, Anton Nelessen and Christopher Leinberger, says Ellen Keys of the Georgia Conservancy. A partnership has been formed by the Conservancy, the Urban Land Institute, the National Association of Home Builders, banks, planners, architects and public officials. “The vision is out there, now we have to implement it,” Keys says.