Smart Growth Models

Smart growth models promote long-term economic development while preserving the natural environment. Approaches can involve both building new infrastructure and revitalizing existing assets to promote the growth of vibrant rural communities. Smart growth addresses multiple social determinants of health (SDOH), including economic stability, transportation, and housing.

Many smart growth projects adhere to a set of 10 principles:

Mixed land use – Smart growth emphasizes the importance of locating residential, recreational, and business opportunities in close proximity. Rural communities have found that mixing land use can contribute to increased numbers of residents who bike and walk instead of driving, which can ultimately decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Using compact design – Compact design allows communities to promote high-density, walkable neighborhoods while conserving open space. In rural communities, compact design could be considered when developing new, higher-density affordable housing.
Creating different housing opportunities – Rural communities may need to consider a range of housing choices to meet the demands of economic development. For example, some rural communities may need to accommodate migrant farmworkers, while others may need to consider housing for tourists or seasonal visitors. In addition, many rural communities are constructing or adapting housing that meets the needs of older adults.
Developing walkable communities – Walkable neighborhoods provide accessible opportunities for physical activity and decrease the negative health consequences of pollution from vehicles. Rural communities are implementing complete street initiatives to improve walkability and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Creating attractive communities with a distinctive character – Rural communities are engaging in economic development while preserving the rural character and heritage of their communities. This could involve defining a vision for future development with members of the community.
Preserving open space and maintaining the integrity of the environment – Open spaces can be critical to the physical and economic health of rural communities. Tourism, agriculture, and recreation can all depend on access to well-maintained open spaces. Conserving forests and natural lands while investing in outdoor recreation can foster community, protect environmental quality, and offer space to connect with the natural world.
Strengthening existing communities – Rural communities are leveraging existing infrastructure to promote economic revitalization and healthier communities, while preventing further development of scenic or ecologically important land.
Investing in a range of transportation options – Multiple transportation options allow rural residents to address key SDOH, including access to employment opportunities and healthcare services. Rural communities can implement a range of strategies to improve access to and the quality of transportation.
Making the development process fair and streamlined – Barriers to community development include permitting and approval processes that can be burdensome and difficult to navigate. Rural communities can establish clear processes for development to encourage smart growth.
Engaging community members in smart growth – Rural community members may have different visions of development needs. Rural communities can encourage community participation in sustainable development to build support for lasting change and ensure that growth strategies address local priorities.

Examples of Rural Smart Growth Programs Addressing SDOH

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina and Walterboro, South Carolina participated in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Local Foods, Local Places program to create local foods initiatives to provide access to healthy food while protecting the environment, revitalizing neighborhoods, and boosting the local economy. North Wilkesboro moved a farmers market to a permanent location downtown, which also featured a stage and dance floor for monthly summer concerts and hosted the annual apple festival. The market's new location revitalized downtown by increasing walkability and attracting new businesses. In Walterboro, a commercial kitchen was built to support downtown farmers market vendors. The kitchen, which included a food-production facility, café, and market, had positive economic impacts and revitalized downtown.
Local organizations in Duck Hill, Mississippi worked together to develop the Achieving Sustainability through Education and Economic Development Solutions (ASEEDS) Initiative. The community-driven approach focused on community development, environmental health, and quality of life through participation in the EPA's Local Foods, Local Places; severe flood mitigation; youth engagement; and creative placemaking.
Our Katahdin, a nonprofit organization in Millinocket, Maine, requested assistance from the EPA's Cool & Connected program, which leverages broadband service to revitalize main streets, promote economic development, and improve human health and the environment. In Millinocket, the goals were to revitalize downtown, increase broadband access, engage the community, and develop a community space downtown to spur the economy and attract new residents.

Implementation Considerations

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development, Smart Growth America offers technical assistance to help rural communities plan for and implement smart growth strategies. Rural communities may benefit from tailored technical assistance or capacity-building workshop opportunities.

Many smart growth principles may need to be formally codified in local, municipal, or county comprehensive plans. Comprehensive plans outline a community's goals and objectives for development and typically address land use, housing, transportation, community facilities, the environment, and other topics. The Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) developed the Comprehensive Planning Guide for Local Governments as a tool to help local areas develop or update their comprehensive plans.

Program Clearinghouse Example

Seneca Towns Engaging People for Solutions (STEPS)

Resources to Learn More

Small Town and Rural Design Guide
Website
Shares information on and considerations for designing multiple types of travel networks in rural America, with a focus on walkable and bikeable communities.
Organization(s): Alta Planning + Design, Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities
Document
Describes the smart growth principles in the context of coastal and waterfront communities.
Organization(s): U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Rhode Island Sea Grant, International City/County Management Association
Date: 9/2009

Smart Growth for Rural Communities: June 3, 2021, Rural Partners
Video/Multimedia
Offers discussion on implementing smart growth strategies in rural communities.
Organization(s): Illinois Extension Community Economic Development
Date: 6/2021

Smart Growth in Small Towns and Rural Communities
Website
Provides several resources to help rural communities learn about smart growth and implement their own versions.
Organization(s): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency