The Michigan Smart Growth Readiness Assessment Tool is a unique and pioneering effort.  There are Smart Growth assessment tools in other states, but this in the first for Michigan, and it is by far the most comprehensive in the nation- especially with the comprehensive set of online resources and local case studies.

By measuring your community’s Smart Growth Readiness you will be able to:

• Point to successes as a source of community pride and marketing.  “We’re a Smart Growth Community!”
• Understand and use successful best practices.
• Spot the gaps in your community’s Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance and similar documents that limit the capacity to grow smart.
• Use it as an educational opportunity for a wide range of community stakeholders on what it takes for a community to grow smart.
• Organize dialogue with neighboring jurisdictions regarding growth issues that cross boundaries.
• Realize cost efficiencies.

Who Should Take the Smart Growth Readiness Assessment?

The assessment tool was formed based on the Tenets of Smart Growth and the vision of the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council.  Because the Tenets of Smart Growth are inherently more urban in nature, not all elements of the assessment will apply to rural communities that are not experiencing growth pressure.  Therefore, the assessment best fits cities, villages, growing townships, and groups of communities that can function as a region and in which there is an established center. 

The assessment will be of most interest to planning commissioners, local elected officials, local government administrators, community planners, real estate professionals, developers, design professionals, and concerned citizens.