This month’s edition of Getting Smart! will be our last.  Over the years, Getting Smart! has focused on a wide range of smart growth related issues, from community development to climate change. Past issues have looked at components of a smart growth strategy, including complete streets  and affordable housing.  They have examined issues facing rural communities as well as issues facing communities struck by natural disasters. It has also examined the role of faith-based organizations and citizens in promoting and achieving smart growth. This month’s edition looks at several emerging issues: green jobs, sustainable schools, and green zoning.

The first article in this issue, written by Ronald Kelly, looks at the growth of green jobs. Green jobs Arguing that a common definition is essential to studying (and creating) green jobs, Kelly examines the definition of green jobs and discusses how states and cities are working to measure and quantify the green job market. 

The next article, written by Renee Kuhlman, focuses on community-centered schools, or schools that are centrally located within existing neighborhoods.  Community-centered schools are integral to smart growth and can have a number of benefits, including increasing property values, promoting physical activity, and building community by providing a space for community activities.

Alan Hart’s article, the final article in this edition, focuses on green zoning in Ridgeland, Mississippi.  In 2008, the city adopted a new zoning designation – Greenways – which gives green space equal weight with other land uses in the city’s Future Land Use Plan (FLUP).  In addition to this new zoning designation, the city has also adopted ordinances aimed at protecting the city’s green infrastructure.

You may have also noticed some changes to the member’s section of the SGN website.  The new page, which no longer requires you to log-in, links to the smart growth topic page on the Knowledge Network, a component of ICMA’s new website.  In addition to the smart growth topic page, there is also a smart growth group page.  Together, these pages provide a forum for discussion on smart growth related issues.  We encourage you to post questions, comments, events, articles, and documents from your organization or community that may be of interest to other SGN members.

Happy Reading,

Anna Read, Editor

In this Edition: Emerging Issues in Smart Growth

What is a Green Job? It Depends Who You Ask!

Community-Centered Schools Are Critical For Sustainable Neighborhoods

Committing to Greenways

New Smart Growth Resources - June 2010

Upcoming Smart Growth Events - June 2010