Economic Development and Smart Growth

Economic development success and smart growth can go hand-in-hand. IEDC’s Economic Development and Smart Growth presents eight case studies on communities that incorporated smart growth principles in their development projects and have experienced economic development improvements in the form of increased tax revenue, more jobs, higher income levels, downtown revitalization, business growth, and other indicators of economic success. The case studies range from the use of transit-oriented development in Portland, Oregon, where light rail has sparked $3 billion in new development, to commercial corridor revitalization in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where it has nearly doubled the per capita income in the south side of the city. IEDC’s case-based research provides direction for local government officials, economic development professionals, and all those concerned with the future of their communities. Read more...

Currently, New Castle County Council has a Smart Growth committee that is working to develop smart growth oriented ordinaces in support of the county's comprehensive land use plan. Perhaps we can all take some time to read the IEDC case studies and use this forum to provide some feedback on how we here in NCC might benefit from Smart Growth. Look forward to your comments....