FAQ
What is "Smart Growth?"
Smart growth is sensible, planned development that balances the need for economic development with the need to preserve and enhance our built and natural environment.
Why is it important?
Haphazard growth -- especially suburban sprawl -- undermines our potential for economic revival and limits our options to create a better and more sustainable future.
How does it affect our economic future?
Loss of open space and the shifting of investment away from developed areas damage our economy. Studies show that workers and businesses increasingly view quality-of-life and quality-of-place as major factors in deciding where to locate. In a recent study of New York businesses, the New York State Economic Development Council found that two quality-of-life factors were particularly influential in business location decisions -- access to outdoor recreation and vibrant, livable urban centers.
What's the New York "Smart Growth Cabinet?"
It's high-level policy-makers from various state agencies that have an impact on growth and development patterns, including representatives from the Empire State Development Corporation, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Transportation, Department of State, and Department of Housing and Community Renewal, among others.
What will it do?
The Cabinet's job is to review state agency spending and policies to determine how best to discourage sprawl and promote smart land use practices. It will coordinate cross-agency activities and develop "smart growth" policies that cater to New York's unique regional needs. Empire State Future will be monitoring and evaluating their efforts and reporting on the results.
What can I do?
Be aware and involved and take action. Stay up on the issues through this web site and its links to other important sources of information. Keep an eye on local land use actions and government's commitment to conservation; participate in local Smart Growth groups, or initiate one of your own!
Smart growth is sensible, planned development that balances the need for economic development with the need to preserve and enhance our built and natural environment.
Why is it important?
Haphazard growth -- especially suburban sprawl -- undermines our potential for economic revival and limits our options to create a better and more sustainable future.
How does it affect our economic future?
Loss of open space and the shifting of investment away from developed areas damage our economy. Studies show that workers and businesses increasingly view quality-of-life and quality-of-place as major factors in deciding where to locate. In a recent study of New York businesses, the New York State Economic Development Council found that two quality-of-life factors were particularly influential in business location decisions -- access to outdoor recreation and vibrant, livable urban centers.
What's the New York "Smart Growth Cabinet?"
It's high-level policy-makers from various state agencies that have an impact on growth and development patterns, including representatives from the Empire State Development Corporation, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Transportation, Department of State, and Department of Housing and Community Renewal, among others.
What will it do?
The Cabinet's job is to review state agency spending and policies to determine how best to discourage sprawl and promote smart land use practices. It will coordinate cross-agency activities and develop "smart growth" policies that cater to New York's unique regional needs. Empire State Future will be monitoring and evaluating their efforts and reporting on the results.
What can I do?
Be aware and involved and take action. Stay up on the issues through this web site and its links to other important sources of information. Keep an eye on local land use actions and government's commitment to conservation; participate in local Smart Growth groups, or initiate one of your own!
Executive Director
Peter B. Fleischer
