New Study Outlines ‘Best Practices’ For Smart Growth

The timing of a newly released report arguing that active
state leadership can strengthen a community’s ability to
shape its own destiny is spot on.

Contributed by Robert W. Smith- Planetizen

A new study by Erick Nakajima the Department of City and Regional
Planning at the University of California at Berkeley, is an insightful read
for anyone grappling with what the Governor’s role should be in statewide
growth management.

Nakajima notes that the recommendations
highlighted in his report are primarily directed at government
policymakers and those who advocate on behalf of municipalities and
community organizations. The first section of the report briefly describes
the state’s current role in land use and economic development decisions,
and how the proposed Livable Communities Act would change state
practices.

The second section highlights the necessary processes for
economic development and land use management in the areas of state
policy, organization and management and communication, follow through
and results. Finally, the report evaluates how the model fits with current
practices and proposals in Massachusetts for state land use management.

Full Report: http://www.curp.neu.edu/pdfs/Eric_Nakajima_Growth_Policy_Report.pdf