I. Creating a State Vision for Growth and Building Public Support

• Understand the Past to Predict the Future
• Recognize the Historical Roots of Growth Management
• Engage the Players and Build Support
• Create Mechanisms to Measure Performance and Coordinate State Policies and Spending

II. Fostering Health and Quality of Life through New Community Design

• Encourage Walkable Communities to Improve Health and Quality of Life
• Employ Land Use and Community Design to Improve Air and Water Quality
• Reduce Crime and Improve Public Safety

III. Creating an Environment that Promotes Housing Choices

• Encourage Housing Options and Affordability
• Use Innovative Approaches to Develop Housing Infill and Redevelopment

IV. Expanding Transportation Choices

• Integrate Transportation and Land-Use Planning
• Address Traffic Congestion through Quality Public Transit and Telework
• Encourage Transit-Oriented Development
• Improve Infrastructure to Support Revitalized Communities

V. Revitalizing Cities, Older Suburbs, and Small Towns

• Modernize Zoning Regulations and Building Codes
• Tap the Value of Historic Preservation
• Locate Government Facilities within the Neighborhood
• Invest in Existing Schools and Build New Schools Strategically
• Redevelop Brownfields
• Convert Dead Suburban Malls into Town Centers

 VI. Limiting Sprawl by Protecting Open Spaces and Rural Communities

• Maintain Farmland and Other Working Lands
• Create Corridors of Open Space for Natural Habitats and Recreation
• Ensure Transportation Investments Do Not Spur Sprawl
• Encourage Compact Designs to Use Land Efficiently and Reduce Costs

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices thanks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Development, Community, and Environment Division for its support of the Growth and Quality of Life Tool Kit.