Do you want to learn how to use your state or local budget to create incentives for growth in the right places?

Would you like to garner more money for sidewalks, bike paths, and transit choices?

Do you wish you could encourage developers to build terrific smart growth projects?

The Smart Growth Leadership Institute was created by former Maryland Governor Parris N. Glendening to help state and local elected, civic and business leaders design and implement effective smart growth strategies.

Smart growth can give us greater control over the pace and pattern of our communities' growth. We can have the benefits of growth ?— more jobs, a broader tax base, and a healthy economy ?— with fewer of the costs associated with poorly-planned development.

But after 50 years of sprawling development, the task of reshaping our communities and our growth is overwhelming. Many of our children have never even seen healthy cities or communities where it is possible to bike down the street for a popsicle. Our current zoning codes, transportation policies, and state programs make these things nearly impossible, and sometimes even illegal.

Places that are successfully tackling sprawl owe their progress to strong, effective leadership. And luckily for our communities, smart growth leadership skills can be acquired and enhanced.

Baton Rouge will bring in experts in the concepts of "smart growth" for review The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA, 12.23.03

Making the most of a rainy day Governing Magazine 12.03

'Smart growth' group to aid city Journal-World, Lawrence, KS 12.20.03

The Right Choice for The EPA The Washington Post, 9.20.03