The region's leading voice on sensible growth
The Campaign for Sensible Growth is an action-oriented coalition of more than 150 organizations – governments, civic and business groups – that promotes planned development throughout the region and the state. The Campaign supports strategies that will enhance the economic vitality of the six-county Chicago region while preserving open space, minimizing the need for costly new infrastructure, and improving the livability of Illinois’ communities. The Campaign is co-chaired by MPC and the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC).
Between 1970 and 1990, nearly 450 square miles of farmland and open space – an area twice the size of the City of Chicago – was consumed while the population only grew 4%. If past patterns continue, land consumed by development will increase at an even faster pace, necessitating costly new roads, sewer and schools. Sensible growth advocates smart planning and improved regional cooperation in order to protect Illinois’ productive farmland and open space, relieve traffic congestion and revitalize our older communities.
The Campaign has three major goals that over 150 organizations have signed on to:
· Strengthen the economic competitiveness of the Chicago region through smarter use of infrastructure investment and incentives;
· Revitalize and support existing communities;
· Promote new development that is more walkable, transit-friendly and preserves natural resources in newly developing areas.
Sensible growth is planned and it is pro-development. It is done voluntarily by the municipalities and counties where new development or infill construction is happening. Sensible growth brings employees’ housing closer to their employment location; it removes cars from gridlocked highways by planning for public transit and residential and commercial development close to transportation; it utilizes modern planning methods to provide for expansion and development while at the same time preserving open space and water resources.
The Campaign for Sensible Growth through its educational, technical assistance and lobbying programs encourages legislation and action that will increase the quality of life for the entire region.
For more information, click the attached web site link to www.growingsensibly.org.