Growth Management and Urban Planning in the United States

Growth management is a particular kind of comprehensive land use and facility planning used in parts of the United States to achieve a preferred form of the built and natural environment in a way that accommodates all projected growth. When done properly, growth management has been shown to elevate economic performance, raise the quality of life, reduce fiscal burdens, and improve environmental conditions relative to trend outcomes. This article defines growth management and its early history; outlines growth management's primary elements; differentiates growth management from related concepts; reviews growth management efforts at the state, regional, and local levels of government; and summarizes key benefits.