In order for Smart Growth principles to be put into practice a number of things are necessary, according to George R. Grasser, president and chief executive officer of Partners for a Livable Western New York:
- People have to be educated as to what those principles are (this is not happening to any great extent notwithstanding the efforts of Partners for a Livable Western New York, because many elected officials and municipal planners are comfortable with what they have, and are resistant to change or to anyone coming into their municipality to tell them how to do things better -- especially things that the voters do not understand)
- People have to recognize that utilizing smart growth principles can have a positive effect on their community
- Elected officials have to have the courage to propose change even if it may not initially be popular with their not always well-informed constituents
- Municipalities must allocate the funding necessary to change master plans and zoning -- and to educate their citizens, and
- The municipalities have to identify and hire the people who can effectuate changes consistent with smart growth principles. If municipalities do not do this, they are likely to get the same type of comprehensive planning and zoning that has been the standard for the last 50-plus years.
