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Benefits of Sustainable Development

Creating a more sustainable region requires hard work — deliberate, coordinated action to promote incremental changes that will help us achieve our ultimate goals. This hard work will pay off with the many benefits of sustainable development, which will:

• SAVE MONEY — More compact, durable and adaptable development, along with redevelopment in existing areas, will reduce the financial burden of building and maintaining additional public and private infrastructure.

• CREATE A STRONGER ECONOMY — By reducing energy and infrastructure costs, creating more vibrant markets, expanding the pool of qualified workers and fostering innovation, we create a stronger, more stable and more resilient economy.

• PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT — By reducing emissions, managing stormwater, preserving natural areas and conserving resources, we create healthier, more resilient and more attractive places to live.

• FOSTER A HEALTHIER POPULATION — With more options for walking, biking and exercise, better access to healthy foods, and cleaner air and water, we will foster healthier lifestyles, reducing health care costs and stress on the health care system.

• PROMOTE STABLE, ENDURING NEIGHBORHOODS — By encouraging compact, mixed-use centers and corridors, a systems-based approach to planning, and inclusive public decision-making, we help support thriving, attractive, enduring neighborhoods.

• EXPAND ACCESS — By improving access to jobs, education and basic services, and providing quality, affordable housing in all parts of the region, we can improve the quality of life and also help build a stronger, more competitive economy.

• PROVIDE MORE CHOICES — By encouraging more housing choices and transportation options, and fostering the development of convenient, affordable places for people to live, work and play, we enhance the livability and attractiveness of our communities.

• ENSURE A THRIVING FUTURE — With enduring and adaptable communities, and an innovative, resilient economy we will help ensure that the region will provide a high quality of life for our children and grandchildren.

We're focusing our sustainable development efforts in:

CENTERS — places where people shop, work, live, recreate, learn and gather, within a compact, pedestrian- and transit-friendly environment.

CORRIDORS — travel routes that help connect communities, neighborhoods and other places within the region.

CONSERVATION AREAS — natural areas that can help improve air and water quality, stabilize stream banks, reduce risks of flooding, and protect wildlife habitat.

NEIGHBORHOODS — the fabric that weaves corridors, centers and conservation areas together.

The connections between corridors, centers and conservation areas and adjacent neighborhoods are critical, both for vibrant, healthy communities and for a sustainable region that improves the quality of life for everyone, now and into the future.