Inclusive, Vibrant Communities

Our past choices about where and how we grow have led to limited and unaffordable housing, and left too many of us dependent on driving for almost everything. 

Smarter land use means more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable communities: communities that are safe and convenient for walking and biking to daily needs – schools, stores, parks, and jobs; offer a diversity of housing options for people at different income levels; and are served by reliable, frequent public transit.

It’s good for our environment, good for people, and good for business.

Direct new homes and businesses to existing communities with access to transit

Providing more homes and businesses in existing communities with transit supports connected, economically thriving communities. It is also more sustainable and efficient than chasing sprawl development with new and costly infrastructure. Instead, focusing growth in already established communities allows us to welcome new neighbors and means private developers can contribute to modernizing aging infrastructure, like our schools, transit services, roads, sidewalks, and stormwater facilities.

Create compact, walkable, bike-friendly, mixed-use communities

We envision communities where each of us can conveniently meet our daily needs, and have more choices in how we get around. Walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented communities can provide easy access to jobs, services, retail, and community gathering spaces. This creates opportunities for connection and requires shorter and fewer car trips—reducing household transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Preserve rural farms, forests and natural areas 

The smart growth approach to land use reduces pressure to convert farms and forests and natural areas to development – which is key in this era of climate change. Instead, smart growth focuses on turning existing and underutilized parking lots and commercial spaces into mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods with homes and businesses. Along with tools like agricultural zoning and conservation easements, this allows us to protect our farms, forests, natural areas, and drinking water supplies. 

Latest Happenings


CSG Testimony for Connecticut Avenue Development Guidelines

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The revised Guidelines will help us meet the Comprehensive Plan goals of increasing housing, and improving the mix of uses, while ensuring building forms that integrate with the historic districts and foster a people-friendly streetscape around the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park Metro stations. 
CSG comments on Brookland-CUA Metro station proposed changes to transit facilities

CSG comments on Brookland-CUA Metro station proposed changes to transit facilities

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September 22, 2023 by Cheryl Cort, Policy Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth Please accept this testimony on behalf of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, the leading organization advocating for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the Washington, DC region to grow and provide
ACTION ALERT: Say yes to redeveloping Brookland Metro station!

ACTION ALERT: Say yes to redeveloping Brookland Metro station!

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We've long supported converting the parking lots at Brookland Metro to places for people to live, work, and shop. Before Metro can make the land available, they need to realign the bus bays and shrink the Kiss and Ride lot. Check out our suggested talking points then submit your comments in support by September 22 at 5pm. 

Comments: Proposed changes to transit facilities at Brookland – CUA Metro Station

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The suburban-style Brookland Metro station has long been in need of a makeover. At the same time, DC needs more housing and affordable housing, especially around transit hubs. Offering more housing opportunities in this highly accessible location will benefit the many families and individuals who would like to live in a walkable, bike-friendly, transit-accessible neighborhood. 

Take Action: Speak up for a vibrant, inclusive, and transit-oriented Langston Boulevard

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The draft Langston Boulevard Area Plan is out and Arlington County wants to hear from you about the proposed long-term vision for the corridor. Provide your feedback via an online survey until this Sunday, July 30th.