Considering the fast pace of growth, build a healthy coastal region by empowering and inspiring local citizens through education, research, and dialogue.

We value a balanced dialogue, inclusiveness, coordination and cooperation, and long-term holistic thinking.

Population projections predict that every coastal area in the United States will experience tremendous growth in the next decade. Because we have a warm climate, our southern coastal region will be especially popular. So how we plan for this growth is extremely important.

Planning must be done with an eye on the Big Picture – getting all the options on the table and looking at all consequences on neighboring areas and on the future. Development should benefit the community as a whole, not just one interest within the community.

Decisions should be made democratically with constituents getting early information about plans under consideration and with a meaningful opportunity to influence plans. We need to carefully consider future decisions about what, where, and how to build and improve our communities.

Considering the fast pace of coastal regional growth, Smart Coast has initiated a strategic plan that envisions building a healthy coastal region by empowering and inspiring local citizens through education, research and balanced dialogue. Smart Coast will provide educational opportunities for citizens and decision makers, advocate legislative change, and provide resources and tools to aid in creating a sustainable regional plan.

Through civic engagement, Smart Coast will encourage the use of the Smart Growth Principles to plan for the future development along the coastal regions. Some of these would be mixed use, walkable communities, a range of housing, alternative transportation choices, a strong sense of place, and preservation of open spaces/farmland.

Smart Coast will also encourage resource efficient, sustainable building design and practices to be used for new and renovated commercial, residential and government buildings.