What is smart growth - and what does it mean for those moving their own projects along?

Smart growth is getting plenty of buzz lately, associated with many projects that have moved forward. What really is smart growth - and what does it mean for those moving their own projects along? Here's Wikipedia's definition: ...an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in compact walkable urban centers to avoid sprawl and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, and mixed-use development with a range of housing choices. And... Smart growth values long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over a short-term focus. Its goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place; expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health. Distinct from the traditional development process, smart growth features - depends on - collaboration. Smart growth is all about genuine partnering - intellectual and emotional, if not financial - between developers and stakeholders. Smart growth is defined not just by what's built but how it's planned - and who's involved. The freely-offered and heart-felt input from all stakeholders - community residents, government officials, leaders of local institutions, nearby employers and employees - is built through communications, the foundation of every smart growth project. Such input requires real commitment to building a two-way flow of communication between the developer and all the community's stakeholders, from day one. Yet all too often the relationships between developers and civic leaders are difficult, reflecting past issues. Developers are learning to deal more adroitly with stakeholders, transforming the passion of local residents and other key figures into engagement, and ultimately project support. Smart growth developers move to create real and lasting connections with civic leaders and other stakeholders through personal relationships and greater transparency. By creating a big tent and - literally - inviting everyone in, developers share information and elicit ideas. Sometimes the ideas that emerge are magnificent. People lose the fear they are being ignored, and gain the confidence that comes with being consulted. Support for projects builds, and what opposition does arise seems more isolated and lacking in credibility. Media savvy is important. Successful developers mind both traditional and digital media. They build relationships with local reporters and connect with regional editors, radio hosts and TV anchors. Their efforts pay off in stories getting into print or on the air characterized by greater accuracy and attention to facts, rather than media focusing on individualized cases of opposition or rehashed rumors. Smart growth developers recognize the impact of social media as well. They realize a single Twitter feed can tank, or shore up, a project, and make sure to know - and be active within - the local blogosphere. A genuine smart growth project brings economic revitalization, environmental benefits, and improved quality of life to local stakeholders. But it isn't just the locals who benefit; so do the developers. Smart growth can be win-win for all involved. Warren Strugatch is a co-founder of IQ Strategy Group, Hauppauge, N.Y.