Updated December 2, 2008 - Click here to download a PDF version of this strategy.

MetroFuture calls for growth patterns that are considerably more compact than what would occur if Current Trends continue.  By focusing growth in city and town centers, near transit and infrastructure, the region will help to preserve both environmental and financial resources that would be lost to sprawling, low density development.  

These compact patterns of growth can only be achieved if the region’s communities have the tools and resources to plan and support that growth.  Many communities that have undertaken some sort of community planning or area planning in recent years have incorporated compact growth ideas such as mixed use or downtown revitalization.  This strategy calls for strengthening and broadening those efforts.  The compact growth envisioned by MetroFuture varies considerably across the region.  High density urban development; village clusters; new construction on parcels that were previously developed—these represent some of the varied forms of compact growth.  No matter what form it takes, compact growth faces many common challenges: lack of informed community consensus, outdated zoning and financing tools, and underfunded infrastructure (to name a few).  In concert with the other MetroFuture strategies, the recommendations here will help municipalities to overcome those challenges.  In doing so, they will realize the local and regional benefits of compact growth, in the form of more open space nearby, more effective transit, more housing options, and stronger municipal finances.  

How will it work? New strategies for planning and visualizing growth will help to build community support through a more responsive and accountable process.  Modernized zoning codes and development controls could provide both oversight and predictability thanks to shared expectations.   Strong attention to design issues (access, sustainability, community, history, infrastructure) is necessary to ensure that the benefits of compact growth are realized.  More predictable and efficient growth patterns will allow communities to plan reliably for supporting infrastructure, paid for (in part) by new public/private financing tools.  Municipalities will take into account state policies regarding housing,

economic development, open space etc., including specific plans such as the Statewide Land Conservation plan, when undertaking the Master Plan process.

Success of this strategy is contingent on many other MetroFuture recommendations, but it is especially dependent on the success of (#1 Coordinated Plans); (#3 Municipal Finance); and (#12 Transportation).