Finding a balance is key.

Economic development is vital to the viability and health of our communities. However, economic development must be balanced with social and environmental considerations in order to achieve sustainable communities.

Models of locally-based or community economic development – defined as a process by which communities can initiate and generate their own solutions to their common economic problems and thereby build long-term community capacity and foster the integration of economic, social and environmental objectives - bring business and economic opportunities closer to a community's needs and priorities. Ensuring that our communities grow to provide economic and employment opportunities, while being the most efficient in use of tax dollars are key aspects of smart growth.

Coquitlam Suburban Redevelopment

A proposal for the gradual development of a massive tract of semi-wilderness in northeast Coquitlam. View proposal here.

Smart Growth Business Alliances

There are models of how business and community interests can collaborate to achieve smart growth. This paper was prepared by Jeb Brugmann, Globalegacies, for the SGBC economic development forum on March 5, 2004. Download here.