Smart Growth

Smart Growth is a pattern of development in the region that sustains community and economic development; strong neighborhoods with diverse housing, commercial, and transportation options; and, healthy communities with a clean environment. Smart Growth provides choices in housing and transportation; makes efficient use of public investments such as schools and transportation systems; and, safeguards community and environmental values. In the Research Triangle Region, smart growth is exemplified by eight regional development, conservation and mobility principles adopted by the Triangle J, the Greater Triangle Regional Council and the Triangle Smart Growth Coalition.

THE SMART GROWTH COMMITTEE

The Smart Growth Committee is structured similarly to other Council committees, with a chairperson designated by the Council Board of Delegates and voting representatives designated by member local governments. Committee meetings are open to all interested persons. The committee is staffed by existing employees of Triangle J. A broad-based technical advisory team draws from five types of organizations:

1. Local governments
   including elected and appointed officials, managers, and staff from departments addressing planning, transportation and other development-related issues;
2. Business organizations
   such as chambers of commerce, homebuilder associations, and realtors;
3. University departments
   such as the UNC Department of City & Regional Planning, the NCSU School of Design, Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment, and NCCU's Geography Department;
4. Regional organizations
   that address development, transportation, and conservation issues, such as the Triangle Transit Authority and the Triangle Land Conservancy; and,
5. Civic groups
   with an interest in development, transportation, and conservation issues.

The technical team is called upon on an as-needed basis to develop or respond to specific initiatives.

Committee Members (toggle click to view/close)