Nationwide communities concerned with the long-term impact of current development patterns and traditional building techniques are increasingly demanding a smarter approach. While the features that distinguish smart growth can vary from place to place, sustainable communities generally are transit and pedestrian-oriented; have a greater mix of housing, commercial and retail uses; preserve open space and optimize utilization of previously developed, vacant lots; feature good land use and planning; link housing with jobs and amenities; and practice green design, construction and management.

When done smartly, community development expands economic opportunities, creates vibrant places where people want to live and visit, preserves the unique character of communities, and safeguards environmental resources. From cities to suburbs to small towns to rural communities, smart growth aims to improve quality of life for all people by providing one strategic lens for development efforts.

LISC is engaged in smart growth work in all its local programs, and also supports it nationally through the following programs:

• Green Development Center
  LISC's Green Development Center provides financial resources, technical information, partnership opportunities, and education to LISC programs and the community development field to support the use of green design, construction, and management principles in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

• Vacant Properties Initiative
  Dilapidated buildings and vacant lots decrease property values, reduce tax revenues, discourage development and are potential fire hazards and magnets for crime. In many neighborhoods, however, they also represent tremendous redevelopment opportunities. To help municipalities and community groups address those problems, LISC created a Vacant Properties Initiative and in partnership with several other national organizations developed the National Vacant Properties Campaign. The Campaign serves as an information clearinghouse, advocates for property reclamation, and offers expert assistance to communities.

> Smart Growth - Program Summary (PDF, 661 KB)
> Smart Growth Webcasts
> Smart Growth Publications