Silicon Valley Conservation Council
 
             
 
 
 

 
 

"Show me where it works"

"Market Driven" Smart Growth

Smart growth is an evolving approach to development, the goal of which is to balance economic progress with environmental protection and quality of life. It changes the terms of the development debate away from the traditional growth/no growth question to how and where new development is best accommodated.

The Silicon Valley Conservation Council vision of market driven smart growth is centered around seven straightforward goals:


1. Healthy communities - that provide Silicon Valley families with a range of housing options in distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place, whether they choose to live in a rural community, suburb, small town or city;

2. Economic development and jobs - that encourage innovation, create business opportunities and improve local tax bases by creating economically competitive mixed use communities;

3. Clean environments - that preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations;

4. Transportation choices - that make sure everyone in the neighborhood has easy access to life's necessities, accommodating cars and mass transit, while providing comfort and convenience for pedestrians, bicyclists and wheelchair users;

5. Consistent regulations - that make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective;

6. Reasoned policies - that remove barriers and establish funding mechanisms to achieve the visions; and

7. Open processes - that encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.


In the New Economy, talent goes where it is welcome and stays where it finds an enjoyable experience - a vibrant, high quality of life. Silicon Valley's economic viability and environmental vitality are inextricably linked. Market driven smart growth incorporates new metrics to merge the power of "place" marketing with the development of human capital with an understanding of the interrelationships of location, technology and employment.

The Council's objective, together with its partners, is not a utopian society, but rather an improvement on the threshold of decency and opportunity worthy of the richest society in history. Clearly, we have a sense of how to take steps that will move us in that direction - and we all share a duty to do so.

The Council believes that, together, we can and will achieve progress towards providing greater prosperity for all while preserving our unique quality of life.

That is what we call smart growth.