The current growth trends will not be changed without the realization that alternative methods exist that will result in the region envisioned by its citizens.  In the fall of 2001, a series of six workshops were held across the region. The goal of these workshops was to determine where citizens believed growth should occur, opposed to where it would occur if trends continue. CRT accomplished this goal by asking residents to help in developing different growth scenarios based on current trends and desirable alternatives.  Participants used large scale maps to redistribute growth patterns while maintaining the numbers of forecasted growth.  Over 300 Middle Tennessee residents participated in these workshops, and critical information about how people want to see their region grow- not just in terms of growth scenarios, but quality of life for their children and grandchildren and willingness to change old habits- was obtained. Three scenarios emerged, and each contained growth and development patterns participants preferred to see in the future to avoid the problems associated with the Base Case scenario.

The Alternative Case scenario is a compilation of recommendations reflecting eighty-three percent of participants’ preferences.  The Alternative Case depicts growth patterns of a more concentric pattern to existing communities which positively effect preservation of land and open spaces while maintaining the unique identities of the region’s towns and cities  Some startling but desirable differences from the Base Case scenario are seen with the Alternative Case such as a drastic reduction of land consumption from 356,000 to 91,000 acres, savings in infrastructure costs equating to billions of dollars and immeasurable benefits to the region’s natural environment.

The citizens’ vision for this community was reinforced during the Regional Planning Summit 03 when survey data was collected that indicated the need for more regional work in land conservation, community revitalization, equitable benefit from economic growth, and land use and transportation planning to be done in concert with economic development and environmental considerations.  The audience also identified four major regional growth issues to be addressed immediately.  These were: preserving greenspace and farmland, preserving distinct communities and their unique heritage, addressing overall development with changes in zoning and other land use regulations and improving current land use planning.