At this summer’s annual meeting of the National Governors Association, which represents governors
from all 50 states, “Principles for Better Land Use” was adopted as land use policy. As the 1999 Chair
of NGA’s Natural Resources Committee, Maryland Governor Glendening, who initiated the policy commented,
“There are better ways to accommodate growth than to spend government money subsidizing the development
of our natural resources and creating urban sprawl. The guiding principles in our new policy encourage
more sustainable growth.”
The 10 principles encourage state and local governments to:
— Mix land uses
— Take advantage of existing community assets
— Create a range of housing opportunities and choices
— Foster “walkable” close-knit neighborhoods
— Promote distinctive communities with a strong sense of place, rehabilitate and use historic buildings
— Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas
— Strengthen and encourage growth in existing communities
— Provide a variety of transportation choices
— Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost-effective
— Encourage citizen and stakeholder participation in development decisions
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