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Technology Of Project
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Base Case
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Preferred Blueprint Scenario
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Smart Growth Principles
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Levels Of Workshops
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Forum
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Awards
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Elected Officials Summit
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Implementation
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Local Government Features
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Demographic Projections
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 spacer rule spacer The Need

Smart Growth Principles

Smart Growth is Built on Smart Principles

Good growth promotes a sense of community in new and expanding areas, and also promotes and protects economic vitality throughout the region. As the Blueprint Transportation/Land Use process progresses, several principles that are considered good growth practices will be incorporated.


  • Housing Diversity Housing Diversity. Different housing types meet the diverse needs of residents such as families, seniors, singles and "empty nesters." A variety of housing enables the spectrum of residents to live near employment centers and share commercial and entertainment facilities.
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  • Building On Existing Assets Building on Existing Assets. Transportation systems, community centers, churches, parks, and existing business centers are all valuable assets that can be at the core of growth plans. Additionally, commercial land that becomes vacant can be used for ãinfillä projects such as multi-family housing. By maximizing use of these assets, the need for new facilities and land can be reduced.
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  • Mixed-Use Development Mixed-Use Development. Combining single- or multi-family development with commercial development is more than just an efficient use of space. Mixed-use development can lead to enjoyable, walkable communities that reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
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  • Protecting Farmland and Natural Resources Protecting Farmland and Natural Resources. Failing to use existing assets and planning properly can result in the loss of farmland, clean water supplies and woodlands that are essential to the local economy or provide vital resources. More than 35 percent of oak woodlands and vernal pools could be affected by development under current plans, and more than 10 percent of farmland could be lost.
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  • Provide Transportation Choices Provide Transportation Choices. It's difficult to predict the future, but one thing is for sure: Unless more transportation options are available, future commuters in our region will be making longer trips at lower speeds. The average speed today is about 36 miles per hour; under "Base Case" projections, the average speed in 2050 will be just 26 miles per hour, and the average commuter will spend almost an extra week in the car each year. By planning communities and employment centers around transportation systems, stress can be removed from the roads and convenient new housing opportunities will become available.
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  • Encourage Pedestrian-Friendly Communities Encourage Pedestrian-Friendly Communities. Neighborhoods that enable residents to walk to work, grocery stores and other commercial areas enhance convenience and reduce congestion. The regular interaction with other neighbors also helps develop a strong sense of community.
 
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The Blueprint project is a joint effort of the
Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and Valley Vision.

Funding for the development of the Blueprint Web
site was made possible by a grant from the Great Valley Center.