University of Wisconsin - Extension

"Smart growth" has been a response across the country to the issue of sprawl and congestion. At its heart are economic, environmental and sense-of-place issues.

"These issues are important to both large urban areas and small cities, and present tremendous opportunities to our traditional downtowns," explains Chuck Law, University of Wisconsin-Extension community planning and design specialist.

Smart growth is defined by the Urban Land Institute as growth that is economically sound, environmentally friendly and supportive of community livability. It typically is characterized by a higher concentration of amenities, a mix of commercial and residential uses, and a pedestrian-orientation. Livable communities are a way of life in which economic dynamism, green spaces and friendly civic streets all coexist.

"With the enactment of smart growth legislation in the 1999 Wisconsin budget, our state has the opportunity to address land use issues in a comprehensive fashion that interrelates important community attitudes and issues," says Bill Ryan, UW-Madison/Extension business development specialist. "These plans will require communities to address key topics including the role of their downtown areas."

Existing downtowns provide a head start for many communities planning for sensible growth, adds Law. "They use land efficiently and already have public infrastructure such as streets and utilities. Downtowns are by nature compact developments and provide many infill opportunities," Law says. "They are 'center focused' with a mixture of uses."

Downtowns often have existing transportation options in place, including public transit and bicycle access and are pedestrian friendly. Also, they convey the character of the community and its history, celebrating a community's unique sense of place.

For downtown to be a viable smart growth option new development must be economically viable and preserve open space and natural resources. Land use planning must be comprehensive, integrated and regional. Public, private and nonprofit sectors must collaborate on growth and development issues to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Downtown areas can be greatly enhanced through redevelopment of infill housing, brownfield sites and obsolete buildings. "Downtown can again become an integral component of the regional economy," Ryan adds.