Benefits of Compact, Mixed Use Development

This report defines smart growth and presents evidence of 13 types of savings and benefits associated with compact development:

• Reduced land consumption and open space preservation
• Public infrastructure and service cost savings
• Reduced vehicle travel and increased non-auto travel
• Affordability and economic resilience
• Serving non-auto travel demands and more independent mobility for non-drivers
• More accessibility and travel time savings
• Traffic safety
• Public fitness and health
• Energy consumption and pollution emissions
• Economic opportunity and resilience
• Community cohesion and integration
• Reduced social problems
• Economic productivity and development

It also addresses criticisms of smart growth and presents recommendations for reforms.