Smart Growth

Residents and business owners united to wrestle with the question of how small communities can encourage development while retaining the qualities residents cherish.

The Network was formed in response to increasing community concerns about the need for new ways to grow that boost the economy, protect the environment, and enhance community vitality. The Network's partners include environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests; local and state government entities.

Smart growth is not a short-term challenge and there is no single solution that fits all communities. Communities want to grow and prosper, but that growth, if it puts a strain on community services, could actually reduce prosperity and quality of life. This toolkit provides strategies that Realtors® can use to help build a stronger community for the long run.

NAR's Smart Growth Action Grants support a wide range of land-use related activities. To be considered, activities should support the core purpose of NAR's Smart Growth Program: to support REALTOR® engagement in land-use related issues with the primary goals of affecting public policy’s that will support a more sustainable development paradigm while raising the profile of REALTORS® as community leaders and enhancing REALTOR® relationships with elected officials.

The National Association of REALTORS® Land Use Initiative has helped state and local REALTOR® associations across the country deal with a variety of land use and Smart Growth issues. NAR, with the law firm of Robinson & Cole, LLP has provided guidance and expert opinion on over 200 different legislative and regulatory issues that effect the interest of REALTORS®.

Learn about how smart cities are improving ground for the intelligent economy.