The Commonwealth’s population has been growing very slowly, but we are consuming land seven times faster than our population growth rate. Low density, haphazard development of houses, office buildings, and stores is overwhelming our traditional Massachusetts landscape of historic cities, vibrant villages, and bucolic towns. Now, we face hours wasted in traffic, dwindling water supplies, staggering home prices, and loss of natural areas.

Around the Commonwealth, people are looking for new ways to for our state to grow and prosper. To encourage our state leaders to better provide our citizens choice, opportunity and environmental health in well-designed communities, seven leading organizations representing diverse interests joined forces and formed the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance.

What's New

The Alliance met with Governor Deval Patrick and members of the Development Cabinet in early November to share current trends and suggest policy changes to address challenges the Commonwealth is facing. Specifically, the Alliance discussed transportation reform, comprehensive zoning reform, sustainable water management, small cities revitalization, and smart energy and climate change.

Download the presentation we gave to the Governor and the Development Cabinet.