Program Goals

New York State’s Smart Growth Community Planning Program endeavors to make the most efficient use of community resources, improve access to housing, reduce the property tax burden, promote sustainable economic development, and enhance equity and quality of life for people and households of all incomes, backgrounds, ages and abilities 

Smart Growth is an approach to planning and development that supports and integrates four key themes: Equity, Economy, Environment and Energy/Climate.  

Key Themes of Smart Growth: 

• Equity – Smart Growth champions inclusivity, equity and diversity by encouraging a variety of housing types and employment opportunities for people of all incomes, backgrounds, ages and abilities. 

• Economy – Smart Growth enhances community quality of life, creates livable, sustainable communities and revitalizes downtowns, which is proven to help attract and retain businesses and workers.   

• Environment – Environmental stewardship is woven into the fabric of Smart Growth, with the protection of natural resources, green spaces, and parks seamlessly integrated into community design.

• Energy/Climate – Smart Growth promotes walkable, bikeable, transit-accessible neighborhoods with a compact mix of land uses. This approach reduces reliance on cars, lowers energy consumption, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions, all while enhancing resilience to climate change.