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Funders’ Network

for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

Translation Paper Number Four


November 2000

Civic Participation and Smart Growth:


Transforming Sprawl into a Broader Sense of Citizenship
This paper was written by Jonathan Weiss of the George Washington
University Center on Sustainability and Regional Growth* in collaboration with
the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities. It is the
fourth in a series of translation papers sponsored by the Funders’ Network to
translate the impact of sprawl upon issues of importance to America’s commu-
nities and to suggest opportunities for progress that would be created by
smarter growth policies and practices. Other key issues addressed in the
series of translation papers include social equity, workforce development,
parks and open space, transportation, agriculture, public health, education,
the environment, community and economic development, and aging.
Abstract
This article takes on a particularly impor- land-use and transportation decisions in
tant and multi-dimensional topic. It their immediate neighborhoods and munic-
describes how the growing concern about ipalities. Although this reaction is at
suburban sprawl can activate a new wave times expressed in a narrow, limited
of smarter growth – and broader civic par- sense without regard to an overall, long-
ticipation – in regions across the country. term regional strategy, smart growth
strategies can assist citizens in develop-
The article explores first how sprawl devel- ing much more of a regional conscious-
*The George Washington opment poses various potential obstacles ness and in thinking beyond their own
University Center on to broad-based civic participation. boundaries or immediate concerns. This
Sprawling development results in the cre- is beginning to happen in several parts of
Sustainability and Regional
ation of more spread-out communities the country, as is demonstrated by a num-
Growth is a new international that require people to spend more time ber of examples. There also has emerged
program bringing together dis- driving and less time in other pursuits. a host of new informational, visualization,
ciplines from throughout the This spatial separation also discourages and collaborative tools that can help cat-
University related to smart the creation of a sense of place about alyze and advance these efforts.
growth. It undertakes publica- where they live. Living further apart from
tions, conferences and work- each other, often in more homogenous All of this offers hope, according to the
shops, and direct project work. communities, also makes it less likely article. Through participation in and
that people will have sustained interaction understanding of smart growth, people
It is based in Washington, DC.
with others from different backgrounds. can further broaden their sense of the
You can email Professor Weiss
duties and responsibilities of civic engage-
at jweiss@main.nlc.gwu.edu or The paper notes that one source of ment – and we as a nation can move
visit the Center’s website at change may be found in the people that closer towards a healthier, more sustain-
www.law.gwu.edu/csrg. are reacting to continued sprawl by able democracy.
becoming increasingly concerned about
© Copyright 2000 by the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities and the George Washington University Center on Sustainability and Regional Growth
Page 2 Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

Suburban Sprawl and its Influence on Civic Participation


Suburban sprawl – the name increas- primary culprit for what he views as
Robert Putnam in his ingly given for the unchecked growth the country’s lessening social capital,
and outward suburban development but has been a "significant contributor
analysis of "social that has distinguished land use pat- to civic disengagement." He cites
capital," which he terns in most regions across the three reasons: first, sprawl and the
defines as "connections United States – has become the sub- consequent need to drive to most
ject of much debate and study as places takes time that could be used
among individuals – communities and local governments for civic purposes; second, sprawl
social networks and attempt to confront its adverse leads to increased social homogeneity
the norms of reciproci- effects. While the spatial conse- in communities, by class and race,
quences of sprawl have received obvi- which appears to result in reduced
ty and trustworthiness ous attention – how it can physically civic participation; and third, sprawl
that arise from them" separate people and communities – leads to the physical fragmentation of
– found that sprawl what has been less understood have communities and our daily lives, which
been the social consequences of such undercuts involvement in local affairs.4
did in fact reduce sprawl and physical separation.
civic participation, Time has indeed become a critical ele-
and in turn social Post-World War II suburban patterns of ment. The commute and time individ-
development tend to segregate differ- uals spend on the road detract from
capital. ent land uses – residential in one time that could be spent for more
place and commercial in another – fruitful endeavors, both for the family
and often give residents little choice and the community. Evidence indi-
but to use their cars to commute to cates that for every ten minutes of
work and for everyday errands. At the additional commuting time, community
same time, this style of development affairs involvement decreases by ten
often omits accessible public spaces percent.5 Mothers, for example, have
where people can meet and gather. been even termed the "bus drivers of
With the creation of more and more the 1990s" because on an average
suburbs using this style (along with day the average mother "spends more
exclusionary zoning and housing dis- than an hour driving, traveling 29
crimination) came relatively homoge- miles and taking more than five
nous communities, often divided by trips."6 For example, Putnam quotes
race and class.1 one Californian as stating: "I live in
Garden Grove, work in Irvine, shop in
What is the impact of such develop- Santa Ana, go to the dentist in
ment patterns on civic participation? Anaheim, my husband works in Long
Scholars and social observers have Beach, and I used to be the president
been hypothesizing about this impact of the League of Women Voters in
for decades.2 It has been difficult, Fullerton."7
however, to quantify. Most recently,
Professor Robert Putnam in his analy- Additionally, the financial pressures on
sis of "social capital," which he today’s parents to provide for the fami-
defines as "connections among indi- ly and the increase in both parents
viduals – social networks and the working contributes to a lack of time
norms of reciprocity and trustworthi- and energy that previously were devot-
ness that arise from them"3 – found ed to social activities.
that sprawl did in fact reduce civic par-
ticipation, and in turn social capital. Another consequence of the growing
reliance on automobiles is the
Putnam argues that sprawl is not the increasing isolation of those who lack
Page 3

them, such as the elderly, disabled, areas has a strong, negative impact
low-income individuals, and youth. on civic participation. Oliver notes, Time has indeed
Architects of the "New Urbanism," such "By creating politically separated pock- become a critical ele-
as Andres Duany, note how sprawling ets of affluence, suburbanization
development patterns in general tend reduces the social needs faced by citi- ment. The commute
to encourage people to retreat into pri- zens with the most resources to and time individuals
vate space. According to this view, "In address them; by creating communi- spend on the road
the absence of walkable public places - ties of homogenous political interests,
- streets,squares, and parks,the public suburbanization reduces the local con- detract from time
realm -- people of diverse ages, races, flicts that engage and draw the citizen- that could be spent
and beliefs are unlikely to meet and ry into the public realm."9 for more fruitful
talk."8 (emphasis in original)
Civic participation is directly linked to endeavors, both for
To be sure, there needs to be more democratic participation. Civic institu- the family and the
statistical research in this area. tions open a window of opportunity community.
Political scientist Eric Oliver has found and participation into the political
in a new study, however, that the more world. Thus, a lack of civic participa-
homogenous a community, the lower tion caused in part by sprawl results
the expected civic engagement. He in a weakening of democracy.
also found that economic segregation
that often takes place in metropolitan But all is not lost.

Rise in Concern About Local Land-Use/Transportation Decisions


Aldo Leopold long ago lamented that As Keith Schneider of the Michigan
to build a better motor we use the Land Use Institute writes, "[The
human brain, but to build a better sprawl] issue is slowly restoring the
countryside we throw dice.10 Today, willingness of Americans who have
people across the country are begin- never been part of the [political]
ning to recognize the adverse affects process to work with all kinds of peo-
of sprawl and demanding that some- ple on local issues. Those decisions
thing be done in a thoughtful, meas- which used to be approved without
ured manner. In this sense, sprawl is anybody there are now being
becoming a unifying issue that can addressed with 80 to 100 people
mobilize citizens and communities. there in the room."12 A recent survey
by the Pew Center for Civic Journalism
On election day in 1998, more than bore this out, showing that sprawl-
70 percent of a record-number 240 related issues tied with crime as the
land use initiatives in 31 states were local issue Americans most cared
passed by citizens.11 Oft cited as a about.13
defining moment, these initiatives
NIMBYism
were due in large part to the work of
concerned citizens in suburbs and rep- While the consequences of sprawl
resented a new threshold of interest have energized civic mindedness, it is
about sprawl. Those election results important to note that not all reac-
crystallized interest that had been tions to sprawl’s effects have been of
building for several years on the local such quality. Often lingering in the
level and are seen as the "tip of the shadows of this growing concern
iceberg." Citizens are in the process about sprawl is the NIMBY (Not In My
of changing the face of politics in their Backyard) syndrome.14
communities.
Page 4 Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

A community’s desire to maintain the that organize to oppose such projects


A recent survey by the status quo and its fear of the uncer- disperse immediately after their "victo-
Pew Center for Civic tainties that come with change can ry," rather than continuing to maintain
give rise to NIMBY attitudes. Some an active participatory role in the com-
Journalism bore this members of a community resist any munity.
out, showing that alteration in their neighborhood,
sprawl-related issues whether it is a change in the local zon- This is not true civic-mindedness, but
ing, tax structure, environmental regu- rather people simply trying to protect
tied with crime as the lation, or a governmental annexation. their own self-interest and perceived
local issue Americans In addition, the creation of new afford- quality of life at the expense of oth-
most cared about. able housing, public transportation, or ers, even neighbors. In a classic
service facility can create uncertainty example of a NIMBY case in
in a community. Residents fear that a Anderson, South Carolina, two neigh-
change in their neighborhood will boring communities pitted themselves
result in an increase in crime, a against each other over a permit for a
decrease in property values and quali- hazardous waste facility. One
ty of life, flight from the neighborhood, opposed the facility’s siting in their
and/or the demise of local business- area and the other supported the sit-
es. While some fears are unfounded, ing in the other town -- simply because
others are legitimate and need a they did not want to become a possi-
response. ble site for the facility if the permit
was denied.
Community opposition usually occurs
because of lack of information, lack of What underlies NIMBYism is a lack of
involvement, and conflicting interests. community spirit in the larger sense.
Providing information and educating NIMBYism strikes out not just at land-
the community about the reasons for fills, but to generally restricting devel-
the change can help to counter resi- opment without regard to broader con-
dents’ concerns. Inviting community siderations, such as the potential
participation that allows opponents to impact on affordable housing or on
voice their fears assists in maintain- neighboring communities. At its
ing a sense of good will between the worst, concern about sprawl can mask
groups. In controversies arising from the most virulent forms of exclusion-
NIMBY concerns, it is always better to ary zoning.15 It can serve as a conven-
deal with a well-educated, well- ient excuse to justify an individual’s
informed public, and to promote open selfishness and lack of moral or ethi-
dialogue between opposing groups. cal responsibility to others.

The public hearings necessary for per- NIMBYism is not true civic participa-
mits or to satisfy legal requirements tion in a democratic sense. It indi-
regarding land use concerns often res- cates that the institutional mecha-
onate with local residents attacking nisms currently used in many jurisdic-
the proposed project and banding tions are broken and preclude mean-
together in opposition. Thus a great ingful citizen participation in the land
paradox. Siting for development often use decision-making process. On the
cannot occur without public participa- other hand, however, it also serves as
tion, and public participation often pre- a signal that land use is a subject
vents the siting of various projects. In that people care about and are willing
addition, too often community groups to get involved with.
Page 5

Moving Beyond NIMBYism: Engaging Civic Participation


Smart growth -- how places can grow acting the deleterious effects on civic
in a sustainable way -- requires citi- duty and citizenship that sprawl has Smart growth efforts are
zens to look beyond their immediate helped create.16 usually more effective
interests and develop partnerships
with others. A key test of whether a Collaboration and participation cannot when approached from
community anti-sprawl measure is be limited to a governmental role, a multi-jurisdictional,
more than a NIMBY response is however, especially in light of the regional approach. This
whether that measure takes into prevalent distrust, whether real or per-
account the "3 Es" of sustainable ceived, of government by the people. necessarily means a
development -- the environment, the Citizens must have real influence over commitment and par-
economy, and equity. Often this decisions rather than just token input
requires thinking beyond individual for a democracy to successfully func-
ticipation from the
municipalities and developing a more tion; attacking sprawl is no different -- citizens of all affected
regional approach. This is not to say citizens must feel that they are taking communities.
that all individual municipal actions an active role in their community.17
are by definition NIMBY or that actions NIMBYism demonstrates that there
within a municipality can not advance must be alternatives to the govern-
smart growth. mental process and other avenues of
input that allow an earlier entry in the
It is to say that smart growth is about policymaking. Alexis de Tocqueville
more than dealing with sprawl; it is recognized that in American democra-
also about reinvesting in existing com- cy, active citizen participation neces-
munities and recognizing the connec- sarily involves institutions.18 As with
tions between the two. Rather than smart growth, there must be an organ-
being isolated concerns, the decline of izing entity to concentrate the citizen
our cities and older suburbs and the energies into a united force.
phenomena of sprawl are really two
sides of the same coin. This means The Topsfield Foundation, in success-
that smart growth efforts are usually fully promoting engagement, offers six
more effective when approached from a "views" on how to build a stronger
multi-jurisdictional, regional approach. sense of community:19
This necessarily means a commitment
and participation from the citizens of 1) Give people a chance to talk about
all affected communities. differences;
2) Honor the heritage of the area;
Smart growth requires representatives 3) Empower people who have been
of diverse interests to reach a shared excluded in the past;
vision for a successful future and to 4) Create projects where different
make a commitment to work together kinds of people can work together
to achieve that future. And just as toward common goals;
smart growth approaches need 5) Encourage people to take pride in
engaged citizens to succeed, the very themselves; and
act of undertaking a smart growth 6) Insist on a basic level of respect
strategy creates an opportunity to and courtesy.
engage the citizenry and stimulate
civic participation.
There is no single formula to follow to
The real challenge is taking that first build a stronger sense of community.
step of mobilizing citizens and commu- Civic participation can be initiated by
nities for the long-term and counter- any member or group in an area: the
Page 6 Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

government, businesses, churches, churches sponsor informational


Chattanooga Venture recently foundations, non-profits, universities, forums and citizen education in form-
completed a "ReVision 2000"
process. One of the reasons or individual citizens. Many times it ing a strong grassroots movement to
Chattanooga has been successful can be a single individual who plays protect wetlands in the region.
is because "[c]ommunity an influential role in getting things
involvement and participatory started in his or her neighborhood. Environmentalists of course can play
planning are not hollow phrases Such individuals use leadership to an important role. A new concept is
. . . [but serve as] the basis for help revitalize and unify a community, emerging called "civic environmental-
making important community helping to create stronger bonds. ism" that is designed to capture a
decisions."25 This included use
of visualization technology that
Business leaders are often in the more inclusive, placed-based environ-
allowed the residents to see and position to play an important role as a mental perspective. Author Bill
choose their vision; the county leader in the civic process. One such Shutkin calls civic environmentalism
regional planning agency civic entrepreneur is the CEO of Bank "planning and implementation at the
solicited citizen input in 1996 of America, Hugh McColl of Charlotte, community and regional levels. . . .
through its Future-scape survey. North Carolina.20 [that] focuses on the overall health
Chattanooga has built on these and quality of life of communities -
efforts to develop a commitment
In 1995, McColl was sitting in his top- social, economic, and environmental -
to working together as a region
-- from the ChatAtlanta trans- floor office looking over the northside and the sustainability of that health
portation project to the of downtown Charlotte. Seeing the and quality of life over time."22
Greenways Planning Project, run-down structures and public hous-
which aims to create a 75-mile ing, he realized the market was not Partnerships, collaboration, and other
Greenways system network. reaching these neighborhoods. types of consensus building are the
McColl decided to buy whole parcels building blocks to many community
and become the developer to ensure revitalization efforts throughout the
that businesses and new housing country. While difficulties may arise
found their way to this section of because groups are not accustomed
Charlotte. By using his influence and to collaboration and power sharing,
resources, this business leader, work- the results have been highly success-
ing with local community groups, ful.23 When people from every sector
The Silicon Valley Network helped begin the revitalization, and work together toward a unified goal, a
Joint Venture’s Vision Leader-
ship Team, comprised of a more importantly, motivate and devel- stronger sense of community and civic
diverse group of regional citi- op partnerships with others to realize pride is created. Numerous examples
zens from the business, govern- the community’s potential. exist of communities and institutions
ment, and non-profit commu- recognizing the need for citizen
nities, has collected input from
Building Broad-Based Coalitions
involvement and coalition building.24
over 2,000 residents to help Another concern is ensuring that the
shape a "Silicon Valley 2010" entire spectrum of the socioeconomic • Chattanooga, Tennessee has gone
vision.26 A framework for this
conditions is represented -- particularly from being the "worst polluted city" in
vision focuses on an innovative
economy, livable environment, the poor and minorities. The National America in 1969 to a model of civic
inclusive society, and regional Neighborhood Coalition created a new cooperation and urban revitalization.
stewardship, with an index program on "Neighborhoods, Regions, With funding from the Lyndhurst
launched to measure and publi- and Smart Growth" to promote com- Foundation and other organizations,
cize quantitative changes in munity-based and faith-based organiza- Chattanooga Venture was formed in
these areas each year.27 At the tions as advocates for regional plan- 1984 in recognition of the need for
same time, the Network has ning and neighborhood-based smart citizen involvement in creating a new
initiated several focused proj-
ects, including bringing schools, growth.21 Churches and other faith- agenda for the community's future. Its
high-tech companies, govern- based organizations, in fact, can often first project was a public participation
ment, and nonprofit organiza- provide the last bastion of community process called "Vision 2000." The
tions together to work on rais- participation for low-income and minor- process involved more than 1,700
ing computer literacy among ity citizens, and therefore must be people and resulted in the setting out
the region’s large Latino popula- involved in community planning. The of 40 major goals. It has helped lead
tion. Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Interfaith to a revitalization of the city, an
Stewardship Plan saw synagogues and improved self-image, and lowering of
Page 7

socioeconomic barriers.
Envision Utah’s purpose is to
• St. Louis, Missouri has shown a create and be an advocate for a
• The Silicon Valley Network has insti- civic commitment to regional smart publicly supported growth strat-
tuted the Joint Venture Silicon Valley growth issues on many levels. The egy that will preserve a high
project, which received financial sup- East-Way Gateway Coordinating quality of life, natural environ-
port from a host of foundations and Council, the metropolitan planning ment, and economic vitality. It
organizations, to tackle regional quali- organization for the St. Louis area, is has completed an in-depth
ty of life issues in an integrated way, spearheading the St. Louis Regional study and a baseline analysis of
future growth, held over 100
including education, crime, economic Jobs Initiative.
public workshops, commissioned
development, and transportation. a million-dollar public aware-
Each instance illustrates the positive ness campaign, and proposed
• Utah, in 1997, created a partner- results that can be achieved when citi- future quality growth strategies
ship called "Envision Utah"28 dedicat- zens and communities find common and scenarios for citizen input.
ed to regional growth issues within the ground and form supportive coalitions Based on this citizen input, the
Greater Wasatch Area -- a region in that extend beyond individual political initiative is moving forward
Northern Utah consisting of 88 cities jurisdictions and focus instead on with communities to implement
a growth strategy, which
and 10 counties. The partnership larger issues that affect everyone from includes encouraging public
includes over 100 community stake- all socioeconomic and community transportation along with the
holders from the academic, private, sectors. adoption of smart growth tools.
public, and religious sectors.

Democratizing Knowledge and Using Credible New Informational Tools


The St. Louis Regional Jobs
There are an increasing number of has put together an online manual Initiative, supported by the
ways to help engage the public. To entitled "Building Community in the Annie E. Casey Foundation
start, the media can play an important American Tradition" that uses the and a range of organizations
role in getting the message out on Constitution’s preamble to provide a and citizen groups, is designed
smart growth and keeping citizens framework for community planning.30 to better realign the region’s
workforce development and
informed, as it is a key part of infor- It provides newsgroup discussion lists social and physical infrastruc-
mation dissemination in any communi- and community examples from 16 dif- ture and to better connect low-
ty. Unfortunately, many members of ferent states. income job seekers in the city to
the media tend towards coverage of economic opportunities in the
the negative aspects of any venture. Universities can actively participate in broader region. At the same
Community leaders can address this facilitating community work and efforts time, a coalition of 80 churches
media concern by involving the media furthering smart growth and democra- from across the region have
formed the Metropolitan
outlets themselves as important com- cy by using their resources and expert- Congregations United for St.
ponents of information sharing in the ise in encouraging citizen participation Louis -- an ecumenical, faith-
project. In some cases, the major and public policy debate and formula- based community group com-
local newspaper has made a strong tion. The Assets-Based Community mitted to promoting smart
commitment to covering smart growth Development Institute at Northwestern growth and regional coopera-
and regional cooperation as a way to University has published a manual tion. The group, which was
fulfill its own commitment to civic par- entitled "Building Communities from started by individual church
leaders, now represents over
ticipation.29 the Inside-Out" advocating an assets-
30,000 people, holds public
based approach that "inventories the meetings, and fosters one-on-
Various institutions are also creating many individual, associational and one relationships with key
tools to successfully advance smart institutional assets that all communi- regional business and civic
growth within a civic-minded frame- ties -- even the poorest -- possess, leaders on regional issues such
work, and the number of institutions is and find new ways to mobilize them."31 as transportation, taxes, and
growing to try and reclaim the ground racial and economic disparity
that has been lost. The Institute for Indicators that measure specific in the region.
the Study of Civic Values, for example, aspects of a community’s well being
Page 8 Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

are also helpful to promote a well- lighting the need for regionalism. It
Unfortunately, many informed citizenry and accountability also can be used by organizations to
members of the media in its leaders. In order to better ana- identify both problems and answers to
tend towards coverage lyze the dominant trends that impact a land use and socioeconomic problems
region, indicators can be established within a community.34
of the negative aspects and regularly monitored to measure a
of any venture. community’s health. The process of The federal government in particular
Community leaders developing these indicators is just as holds the key to a large amount of
important as the indicators them- information, and through individual
can address this selves: the objectives should balance programs and Internet access, they
media concern by and reflect the community values, are unlocking the doors for citizens.
interests, and needs.
involving the media For example:
outlets themselves as A community should try to link an indi- • The Department of Housing and
important compo- cator to policy to ensure effective- Urban Development offers a
ness. These indicators can then be Community 2020 software package
nents of information used to assess performance relative that utilizes GIS and allows communi-
sharing in the project. to that policy; this will promote mean- ties to "visually analyze, understand,
ingful public dialogue, policy dis- and respond to community needs and
course, and allow individual members opportunities."35
of a community to analyze the deci-
sion-making process in a more • The Department of the Interior
informed manner. Indicators help to offers an Urban Dynamics land use
bring issues to the forefront and tell a program that documents the history
society if they are making progress and change of areas based on geo-
toward their stated goal.32 As more graphic and topographic information.36
regions use indicators to measure
their progress, this can encourage the • The Environmental Protection
sharing of information between com- Agency encourages community part-
munities.33 nerships and information sharing
through its Environmental Monitoring
The data sets compiled and used in a for Public Access and Community
neighborhood indicators program can Tracking (EMPACT) program.37 It also
also be used in conjunction with promotes the principles and tech-
another recent innovation that can niques of smart growth by using its
have a tremendous impact on the Smart Growth Index, designed to sim-
future of land use planning and the ulate land-use and transportation sce-
widespread availability of information -- narios.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
technology. The ability to easily sort Indeed, every day new, creative tools,
and categorize information by spatial from enhanced interactive surveying to
units is invaluable. The rapid using the Internet and scenario plan-
advances in technology have imbued ning in novel ways, are being devel-
desktop computers with the capacity oped that can assist citizens on an
to create and print maps that indicate individual or group basis.38
a host of different factors and ele-
ments. These same advances have All of the tools available cannot be
also accommodated a presentation listed here, but the point is that inter-
format that is much more user-friendly est in changing the status quo,
and often more useful than traditional reshaping policy, and creating a sus-
tabular data. GIS can be used to tained involvement relies on using
identify trends and areas of concern information. Through such informa-
that cross political jurisdictions, high- tion, stakeholders can become more
Page 9

informed and more involved. In fact, however, must make it easily accessi-
one of the keys to developing a useful ble to the public. Comprehensive and Comprehensive and
indicator system is to design it to stim- accessible information for all stakehold- accessible information
ulate feedback and change rather than ers is vital to reasoned and balanced
simply act as a monitoring mechanism. discussions and decision-making.
for all stakeholders is
Those who control the information, vital to reasoned and
balanced discussions
Opportunities for Funders and decision-making.

Foundations have played a key role in There are also several different
promoting greater civic education and approaches of coalition building and
participation in smart growth activi- more information is needed about the
ties. There is no better time than the success and limitations of these
present for funders to explore ways to approaches. How, for instance, do we To unleash the full
escalate that role, for we are at a criti- ensure that citizens gain "real" influ-
cal juncture in raising civic engage- ence rather than token input and that potential of smart
ment and making smart growth a last- interests from all socioeconomic inter- growth and thereby
ing issue that can bring about lasting ests are represented? Finally, we transform sprawl into
change. Foundations can provide need to learn more about how to
needed support for the research and change laws and policies so that citi- a broader sense of
monitoring of broad-based, collabora- zen participation and consensus build- civic participation,
tive smart growth efforts -- where citi- ing on growth issues are built into the foundations can com-
zens have been successfully engaged legal and political process.
-- and can assist groups and activities plement a research
Supporting Actions
engaging citizens and building collabo- agenda by providing
rative processes in the future. To unleash the full potential of smart support in on-the-
growth and thereby transform the
Research Into What Works ground smart growth
movement evolving to counter sprawl
With respect to research, more educa- into a broader sense of civic participa- areas.
tion is needed about the range of tion, foundations can complement a
activities taking place in regions research agenda by providing support
across the country to engage citizens in on-the-ground smart growth areas.
and what is working. More research
needs to be done on how citizen inter- Some key areas of support include:
ests are activated and mobilized on 1) informing and engaging citizens
smart growth issues. For instance, from all quarters, breaking down barri-
which regions are using which new ers where possible between them,
information tools and how successful and sustaining their interest and
is the use of these tools? What kinds involvement;
of information, means of communica- 2) leveraging and cross-fertilizing
tion, and techniques for participation existing local institutions in each
are most useful to educate and region, such as churches and civic
engage citizens? How is citizen par- and educational institutions;
ticipation best sustained over time? 3) changing and enforcing laws and
Moreover, is there a particular educa- policies to ensure that citizens gain
tion process that is needed to engage "real" influence, rather than token
lower income citizens in these issues? input, in growth decision-making;
More research is needed on how 4) ensuring representation particularly
engagement in smart growth activities among the poor and traditionally disen-
transfers to citizen engagement in franchised, in the smart growth debate;
other issues -- the potential "ripple 5) developing regional, community-led
effect" of involvement. consensus-building processes;
Page 10 Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities

6) democratizing knowledge and pro- spread understanding of the issues


Without a widespread viding enhanced education and train- underpinning sprawl and the benefits
understanding of the ing at all levels; and to be gained from smart growth, any
7) developing and distributing easy-to- form of civic participation is resigned
issues underpinning use tools to assist citizen input. to be less effective than would other-
sprawl and the bene- wise be the case. Foundations should
fits to be gained from Foundations should seek out the lead- also support programs and projects
ing organizations and experts with that draw on the vast informational
smart growth any experience in some of these areas tools housed within the government.
form of civic partici- and help inform and support their Providing organizations with the fund-
pation is resigned to work with additional tools and ing that will allow them to educate
research. The organizations them- communities on how to efficiently
be less effective than selves should then also be encour- locate and harness these tools would
would otherwise be aged to collaborate with other organi- go a long way to increasing effective
the case. zations, especially organizations that citizen participation.
do not traditionally work on smart
growth areas. Foundations need to Just a cautionary reminder: there is
work with strong institutional entities, no one right model for promoting civic
such as the League of Women Voters participation in smart growth. There
and local leadership development pro- are, however, a range of strategies for
It was funding from grams and service clubs, to ensure a range of places. The communities
the Lyndhurst that those entities are aware of and know best and must lead the process.
Foundation, matched incorporate smart growth concerns in Foundations, of course, can be a cata-
their own outreach and engagement lyst and a partner but they must listen
by demonstrated lead- with citizens. as much as they act — and listen as
ership from its key they act.
officers, that played a At times, foundations may be more
effective if seen less as outspoken And when they do, what becomes pos-
key role in the cre- advocates of smart growth and more sible is truly inspiring. Simply recall
ation of Chattanooga as impartial supporters of credible that it was funding from the Lyndhurst
Venture and the broad information on the topic. An example Foundation, matched by demonstrated
is work of the Kettering Foundation to leadership from its key officers, that
citizen process that provide resources for the publication played a key role in the creation of
help make the dra- by Public Agenda of an easy-to-read Chattanooga Venture and the broad
matic turnaround in nonpartisan guide called "A Nice citizen process that help make the
Place to Live: Creating Communities, dramatic turnaround in Chattanooga
Chattanooga possible. Fighting Sprawl."39 Without a wide- possible.

Conclusion
There are two recurring themes dynamic civic institutions and organi-
throughout each success story of zations, which play a crucial role in
communities battling sprawl. The first consensus building, information dis-
is that citizens need to be involved semination, and citizen education and
from the ground floor. Citizen advoca- empowerment.
cy and participation do make a differ-
ence, and smart growth can energize The second theme is that all long-
and activate citizens, giving them a term, successful smart growth initia-
greater sense of civic responsibility. tives involve continuous participation
Probably the single most prevalent by citizens in the process. Once an
way to involve the public is through initiative begins, it is not only impor-
Page 11

tant to see the project through but it work together to formulate policy for
is also crucial to maintain active civic their respective communities. This
involvement to perpetuate the social reinvigoration of democratic principles
capital that is realized from community is paying dividends in communities,
improvement and investment. Citizen and will continue to do so as long as
participation is part of our ever-adapt- citizens remain involved with their
ing, potentially ever-strengthening, communities, resulting in a true social
grass-roots democratic process. bonding and empowerment of commu-
nities over their own destiny.
It is indeed ironic that the issue of
sprawl, which has long undermined As the simple motto that has guided
community cohesion, is now serving progress in Chattanooga goes, "It
as a rallying point for both individuals takes all of us. . .and it takes forever."
and organizations to join forces and

Endnotes
1. Two of the most recent books making this point are Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
(Simon & Schuster, 2000) at page 210; Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater- Zyberk, and Jeff Speck, Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl
and the Decline of the American Dream (North Point Press, 2000). This paper will not go into the oft made connection between sprawl
and alienation in general. As author Alan Ehrenhalt writes,"The American people are coming to the conclusion that sprawl is to blame
for a good deal of the discontent that attaches to end-of-the-century middle-class life." The New York Times, April 18, 1999. Suffice it
to say, however, that much more research is needed in this area.
2. See, e.g., Richard Sennet, The Fall of Public Man (W.W. Norton, 1976); Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities
(Vintage Books, 1961).
3. Putnam at 19.
4. Putnam at 214-215. Many refer to this as a "loss of a sense of place." See e.g, James Kuntsler, The Geography of Nowhere: The
Rise and Decline of America’s Man-made Landscape (Simon & Schuster, 1993)
5. Putnam at 213.
6. High Mileage Moms, a 1999 report by the Surface Transportation Policy Project. See (www.transact.org/Reports/highmilemoms/
text.htm).
7. Putnam at 211.
8. Duany, et. al., at 60.
9. J. Eric Oliver, "The Effects of Metropolitan Segregation on Economic Segregation and Local Civic Participation," 43 American Journal Of
Political Science (January 1999).
10. Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac (Oxford University Press, 1949).
11. Phyllis Myers, Livability at the Ballot Box: State and Local Referenda on Parks, Conservation, and Smarter Growth, Election Day 1998
(Brookings Institution, 1999) at 1.
12. The Washington Post, April 12, 1999.
13. Pew Center for Civic Journalism, Straight Talk From Americans -- 2000 (February, 2000), at (www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/research/
r_ST2000nat1.html).
14. For more information regarding NIMBY issues, see e.g., NIMBY: A Primer for Lawyers and Advocates (American Bar Association, 1999);
Herbert Inhaber, Slaying the NIMBY Dragon (Transaction Publishers, 1998).
15. "Exclusionary zoning" is the term used to describe zoning practices that have the effect of excluding lower income groups.
16. The following websites and texts may be a helpful starting point in assisting communities in promoting responsible growth. They also
serve as helpful guides to citizens who want to play a more active role in shaping their communities: the National Association of
Regional Councils (www.narc.org), the Institute for the Regional Community (www.narc.org/itrc/), the American Planning Association
(www.planning.org), the American Institute of Architects (www.e-architect.com), the Clinton-Gore Administration’s Livable Communities
Website (www.livablecommunities.gov), the Congress on the New Urbanism (www.cnu.org), the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
(www.lincolninst.edu), the Smart Growth Network (www.smartgrowth.org), and the Sustainable Communities Network
(www.sustainable.org). David Bollier, How Smart Growth Can Stop Sprawl (Essential Books, 1998); Michael deCourcy Hinds, A Nice
Place to Live: Creating Communities, Fighting Sprawl (Public Agenda, 1999). There are many other helpful websites and texts as well.
17. National Civic League, Citizen Participation (2000). Available at (www.ncl.or/ncl/cat3.htm).
18. Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America (1835), ed. Phillips Bradley (Alfred A. Knopf, 1945).
19. Topsfield Foundation, Building Strong Neighborhoods at 12-13 (1998). The Topsfield Foundation helps communities organize "study
circles" in small-group peer-led discussions that bring together diverse people to address issues. The Foundation has a particular pro-
gram to encourage local study groups on sprawl.
20. For more on civic entrepreneurs, see Douglas Henton, et. al., Grassroots Leaders for a New Economy (Jossey-Bass, 1997).
21. This program maintains a database of community-based organizations that are addressing the environmental, economic, and social
impacts of sprawl; reviews smart growth policies from a neighborhood perspective and analyzes the policy’s possible impact on low-
income residents; and brings justice and equity values to the forefront of existing smart growth principals. For more information regard-
ing the National Neighborhood Coalition and its programs, see (www.neighborhoodcoalition.org).
22. William Shutkin, The Land That Could Be: Environmentalism and Democracy in the Twenty-First Century (MIT Press, 2000) at 238.
23. See Daniel Yankelovich, The Magic of Dialogue: Transforming Conflict into Cooperation (Simon & Schuster, 1999); The Consensus
Endnotes, continued

Building Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Reaching Agreement, ed. L. Susskind, S. McKearnen, and J. Thomas-Larmer (1999); D.
Henton, et al., Grassroots Leaders for a New Economy.
24. For an excellent overview of "success stories" involving citizen involvement and coalition building see Neal Peirce and Curtis Johnson,
Boundary Crossers: Community Leadership for a Global Age (The Academy of Leadership Press, 1997).
25. Peirce and Johnson, Boundary Crossers at 54 (1997).
26. The Silicon Valley Network has a website located at (www.jointventure.org).
27. Alliance for Regional Leadership Forum, May 4 -5, 2000, Leadership Forum Materials at 20 (2000). This conference examined the best
practices of innovative regional leadership in 18 regions across America.
28. The Envision Utah website is located at (www.envisionutah.org).
29. Examples of newspapers playing a role in their communities include those papers that have hired Neal Peirce and his colleagues to pro-
duce "Peirce Reports," which review the state of particular regions. An even stronger, proactive media commitment has been termed
"civic journalism."
30. The manual can be found at (www.libertynet.org/edcivic/buildhom.html).
31. John P. Kretzmann and John McKnight, Building Communities From the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing Community
Assets, (Northwestern Innovations Network, 1993). See also Carmen Sirianni & Lewis Friedland, Civic Innovation and American
Democracy, at (www.cpn.org/sections/new_citizenship/change.html).
32. According to Redefining Progress, a group that facilitates the development of community indicators, these steps should be taken when
creating an initial indicator report: 1) form a working group; 2) clarify your purpose; 3) identify your community’s shared values and
vision; 4) review existing models, indicators, and data; 5) draft a set of proposed indicators; 6) perform a technical review; 7) research
the data; 8) publish and promote the report; 9) update the report regularly. This group further suggests that when developing indicators
to always begin with the end in mind, and identify a small number of short and long-term community objectives based upon the commu-
nity. For more information see (www.rprogress.org).
33. There are many organizations that provide useful information regarding community indicators: Redefining Progress’ Community
Indicators Project (www.rprogress.org) - facilitates the development of community indicators, links existing and emerging projects, pro-
vides a directory database and gives basic information on over 200 community indicator projects around the US; Indicator Initiatives.
(iisd1.iisd.ca/measure/compindex.asp.) provides a comprehensive online information base of indicator initiatives being carried out in
the context of sustainable development; The National Neighborhood Indicators Project (www.urban.org/nnip/) tracks and compiles data
on communities, the Sustainable Development Indicators Group, a White House Interagency Working Group developed a list of recom-
mended national economic, environmental, and social indicators of sustainable development (see its report, Sustainable Development
in the United States: An Experimental Set of Indicators (December 1998).
34. G. Thomas Kingsley, The Urban Institute, Building and Operating Neighborhood Indicator Systems: A Guidebook at 21 (1999). More
information about GIS is available at the U.S. Geological Survey (sflwww.er.usgs.gov/); Essential Information (www.essential.org/gis/
index.html); GreenInfo Network (www.greeninfo.org). Minnesota State Representative Myron Orfield has pioneered the use of GIS for
the mapping of regional trends. See Myron Orfield, Metropolitics: A Regional Agenda for Community and Stability (Brookings Institution
Press, 1997).
35. Livable Communities, Empowering Individuals and Communities. (www.livablecommunities.gov/toolsandresources/ic_c2020.htm). See
also (www.hud.gov/cpd/2020soft.html).
36. More information about this program is available at (edcdgs9.cr.usgs.gov/urban).
37. More information about these programs are available at (www.epa.gov/empact) and (www.epa.gov).
38. Several excellent websites provide updated information on these new technologies, including the U.S. Department of Energy Center of
Excellence for Sustainable Development site at www.sustainable.doe.gov and the Sustainable Communities Network site at
(www.sustainable.org/information/resources_column).
39. See reference in footnote 16.

This article was printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper.

Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities • L. Benjamin Starrett, Executive Director
Collins Center for Public Policy, Inc., 150 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 709, Miami, Florida 33131
Phone: 305-377-4484 • Fax: 305-377-4485 • Email: bstarrett@collinscenter.org

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