Smart Growth For Clean Water

A new report by the National Association of Local Government EnvironmentalProfessionals includes a "Top 10" list of actions that local governments can take to promote smart growth for clean water.

1 minute read

August 19, 2003, 5:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Communities across America are coping with the results of poorlyplanned, scattered, high-impact development – or sprawl. Whenshe was Governor of New Jersey, EPA Administrator Christine ToddWhitman put it succinctly: "Suburban sprawl is eating up open space,creating mind-boggling traffic jams, bestowing on us endless strip mallsand housing developments, and consuming an ever-increasing share of our resources." Sprawling growth can also cause the degradation of water quality in our rivers, streams, lakes, shores, and groundwater... These smart growth for clean water approaches are often more cost-effective than traditional structural solutions like building new wastewater plants or stormwater collection facilities."

Thanks to NACDurban email list

Monday, August 18, 2003 in NALGEP

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop

When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

March 17, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up on 45 mph speed limit sign with part of Golden Gate Bridge visible in background, San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras

The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.

4 hours ago - KQED

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from the northwest on a sunny day with scattered clouds.

Shaping LA’s Future: Public Voting Opens for LA2050 Grants

The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to vote on the top issues facing Los Angeles, helping direct $3 million in funding to organizations working to build a more connected and resilient region.

5 hours ago - MyNewsLA.com

White CTA bus and elevated train against sunset sky in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis

Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.

6 hours ago - Mass Transit