from the National
Association of Realtors
The National Association of Realtors has launched a new resource guide to help Realtors and their local and state associations address all aspects of smart growth. The toolkit, Smart Growth: A Toolkit for Realtors, is designed to help Realtors gain a greater understanding of a variety of smart growth principles and provides resources to help them become more involved in their community’s smart growth planning and development.
The rapid population growth of the United States, which recently surpassed 300 million, will require America’s cities and towns to get smarter about planning and development. Long-range plans will be needed to help minimize traffic congestion and damage to the environment while preserving open spaces and creating more affordable housing and transportation options, says NAR. The smart growth toolkit provides Realtors with the resources to become involved and arms them and their local and state associations with the information and tools to address local issues and help make development decisions.
“Realtors are helping to build healthy and strong communities across the nation,” said NAR President Pat Vredevoogd Combs of Grand Rapids, Mich., vice president of Coldwell Banker-AJS-Schmidt. “As business people and members of the community, Realtors share the same concerns as their neighbors that our towns and cities grow and prosper over the long term. As advocates for smart growth issues in their community, Realtors can help ensure ample homeownership opportunities, efficient transportation, quality schools and plenty of open space for everyone.”
Information in the toolkit includes an overview of the issue and its importance to Realtors; the principles, origins and trends of smart growth; smart growth planning, regulation and policies; tips on how Realtors can get more involved in smart growth; and Realtor resources including case studies and model legislation.
The toolkit details how smart growth is implemented and provides resources for increasing public participation. The guide shares smart growth success stories of individual Realtors and associations all across the country.
“Smart growth is a local issue. Every community has different challenges and priorities and the people best able to define those needs are the people and businesses who call it home,” said Combs. “Realtors, working together with citizens and public officials, can plan ahead for smart growth and make a real difference in the quality of their lives and their community.”
For additional smart growth resources or to download a free copy of Smart Growth: A Toolkit for Realtors, visit www.realtor.org/smartgrowth.