The Use of Smart-Growth Scorecards/Assessment Tools to Advance Sustainable Land-Use Practices

Few studies have gauged causal linkages between shifting smart-growth agendas and the development of new tools to evaluate smart-growth outcomes. Both the implementation of smart-growth practices and efforts to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and outcomes have been influenced by a host of socioeconomic, demographic, technological, and environmental factors as well as shifting housing, travel, and communication preferences. Through a literature review, informational interviews, and survey of smart-growth scorecard users/developers, this research finds that both the concept of smart growth and the development and use of scorecards/assessment tools have co-evolved. Shifting state and federal legislation, leadership, political agendas, and funding have shaped the extent to which smart-growth practices are implemented and evaluated at the local government level. While federal and state governments have developed programs to incentivize implementation of smart growth strategies at the local government level, measuring outcomes of smart growth remains challenging. New assessment tools, scenario-planning techniques, and interactive visualization tools are being crafted to engage and educate the public on smart-growth-related topics and planning outcomes. Building local government capacity, funding support, technical assistance, and an open environment for information sharing and education is needed.U.S. Department of Transportatio