Colorado Sprawl Action Center's
Growth Management Toolkit

Table of Contents | Introduction | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

Introduction

When Americans think of Colorado, they think of communities set within purple mountains, breathtaking views, wilderness and the outdoors. Unfortunately, the reality for the majority of our state's citizens is increasingly one of sprawling development, traffic jams, scarce water supplies and air pollution. Growth is a fact of life in Colorado, but uncontrolled sprawl does not have to be. The Growth Management Toolkit is designed for citizens and elected officials who wish to help shape the future of Colorado's growth and preserve its heritage.

The Growth Management Toolkit breaks down the complex issue of sprawl and presents eleven growth management tools that encourage or implement responsible growth. Sprawling developments cost us all. Whether it is through a loss of open space, increased traffic congestion, or an increase in tax dollars spent on infrastructure for new developments. In short, sprawl negatively affects our quality of life and our pocket books. Responsible growth focuses on planning for future growth in a manner that enhances a sense of community, preserves important open spaces, promotes economic prosperity and stability, and does not drain the community's tax base.

The growth management tools presented in the toolkit are available to communities across Colorado. Communities faced with out-of-control growth first must identify the problem; the challenge is then to find a solution and figure out how to best apply it. Each fact sheet in the toolkit identifies a specific problem, proposes a solution, and then discusses the application of the tool at a local and state level. These toolkits provide local citizens with the knowledge and resources it takes to build a livable community and a sustainable future.

Table of Contents | Introduction | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11