Smart Growth

Rapid Growth...
The NRPC region has witnessed rapid growth in the past 40 years, due in large part to its proximity to the Boston metropolitan area. Between 1990 and 2000 the population grew at an average annual rate of 1.3%, which translates to roughly 2,400 new residents per year. With population growth has come increased pressure on our natural resources, open space, and public services.

Smart Growth...
Development, however, does not have to be detrimental to our communities. The NH Office of Energy and Planning has identified 8 Smart Growth Principles to help guide growth in a manner that is beneficial to the region. 

1. Maintain traditional compact settlement
2. Foster traditional NH character
3. Incorporate mixed uses
4. Preserve NH’s working lands
5. Provide choices & safety in transportation
6. Protect environmental quality
7. Involve the community
8. Manage growth locally

Smart Growth Fact Sheet | Coordinated Planning Audit Fact Sheet

Best Development Practices: a primer for smart growth, Reid Ewing
Getting to Smart Growth, International City/County Management Assoc.
Getting to Smart Growth II, International City/County Management Assoc.
Integrating Planning & Public Health, American Planning Association
The Limitless City, Oliver Gillham
Making Smart Growth Work, Douglas R. Porter
Our Built & Natural Environments, US EPA
Smart Growth: Transportation Guidelines, Institute of Transportation Engineers
Smart Growth Zoning Codes, Steve Tracy
This is Smart Growth, Smart Growth Network
When City & Country Collide, Tom Daniels
Why Smart Growth: a primer, International City/County Management Assoc.

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Nashua Regional Planning Commission
9 Executive Park Drive, Suite 201
Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone ~ 603.424.2240 | Fax ~ 603.424.2230