How our cities and towns develop can have a huge impact on our environment.

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Development can directly affect natural lands, waterways, and wildlife habitat. 

 

Implementing smart growth principles can minimize air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage cleanup and reuse of contaminated properties, and preserve natural lands. 

 

Encouraging compact development, reducing impervious surfaces, safeguarding environmentally sensitive areas, mixing land uses (e.g., homes, offices, and shops), promoting public transit, and improving pedestrian and bicycle amenities are all tactics that can lessen the impact of development.