Dear Mr. Brummett,

Thank you for your question on defining Smart Growth. In the past few years, I have come upon a website that puts it all together for me about smart growth. It is the Smart Growth Network. Through it, I have found the most recent information on best practices, research and good definitions. So I've published a summary of the principles identified by the Smart Growth Network. All the information is taken from their website. You can view the summary on this website at link to Smart Growth summary, or the expanded principles on the Smart Growth web site at: Smart Growth web site

I use these guidelines to identify what is good development. I have voted strongly for people to transit connectivity on projects to make them transit-friendly. Mayfield Mall tunnel is an example. I have voted for high density along El Camino Real recently. I also have rejected a few projects that were not close to transit or replaced commercial use as they were dense with little access to services, which actually goes against smart growth principles. It is, as you say, a matter of taking into consideration what is surrounding the new development. I am a big mixed used fan and want us to work with city staff to redefine zoning which currently makes mixed use development ridiculously hard. We have a new Planning Director and I am hopeful for even smarter growth projects moving forward.

Please let me know if I can speak to other positions that you may want more discussion on.

Appreciate the email,

Laura

I am curious how you define Smart Growth, and specifically whether you favor or are against higher density housing and mixed use developments near Caltrain, light rail, and other exisiting transit hubs. Recognizing, of course, that all decisions have specific context that needs to be taken into account.
Bob Brummett, Ormonde Drive

This is what a question to Laura Macias would look like, if anyone ever asks a question!