Smart Growth Index
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, available as a free download, to view the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.
Imagine that you are a community planner. Your jurisdiction is in the midst of unprecedented population and economic expansion, as a result there is considerable discussion within the community on whether all this growth is good or smart. There are those who want growth for its perceived economic and fiscal benefits, and others who want to limit it, concerned that the character of the community is eroding with every new development approval. Both groups claim to be advocates of smart growth. Your responsibility is to make sense of it all.
The Smart Growth Index (SGI) is a GIS sketch model for simulating alternative land-use and transportation scenarios, and evaluating their outcomes using indicators of environmental performance:
- Regional growth management plans
- Land-use, transportation and neighborhood plans
- Land development reports
- Environmental impact reports
- Special projects, e.g. brownfield redevelopment, annexation, etc
EPA worked with more than 30 partners to use SGI to create land use and transportation decisions that encourage economic development; reduce fiscal expenditure, protect the environment; and improve community quality of life. For more information, visit our Smart Growth INDEX Partnerships page.
Smart Growth INDEX (PDF) (2 pp, 925 K)
A short handout introducing the technical specifications, outputs and uses of the software.
EPA 's Smart Growth INDEX In 20 Pilot Communities (PDF) (44 pp, 1.6 MB)
A progress report on the SGI pilot phase
Printer-friendly version (PDF) (44 pp, 3 MB)