Environmental stewardship is essential to the sustainability of key aspects of community life:

Economic viability:

If we strategically consider natural resources and use of land as policies are made, communities are more livable and productive, promoting the long-term success of both businesses and residents. By planning mixed-used development areas, businesses have access to workers and customers with a built-in community fabric.

Environmental health/climate: 

Intentionally maintaining a focus on preserving an area’s natural resources helps ensure environmental viability for agriculture and the health of an area’s residents. Including safe streets for walkers and bikers, planning for green spaces, and positioning essential resources close to residential dwellings minimizes the need for car transport, thereby reducing emissions.

Social equity:

Engaging and addressing historic and systemic equity issues with land use and transitioning planning results in intentionally built communities that provide safer spaces with accessibility to natural resources, affordable housing, and transportation. Environmentally sensitive land use planning helps alleviate health disparities by planning transit to minimize local emissions and increase the accessibility of healthier options like walking and biking. Mixed-use spaces also tend to create community engagement and investment, creating safer areas for children, families, and elderly residents.