Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Zoning • Viewshed • Stakeholder Analysis

Smart Growth

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

Smart Growth is an approach to city and community planning that focuses on creating better places to live while being mindful of resources. Think of it as a strategy for developing cities in a way that's both practical and people-friendly. Instead of spreading cities outward with endless suburbs, Smart Growth encourages building in already developed areas, mixing homes with shops and offices, and making it easy for people to walk or use public transport. It's similar to other planning approaches like New Urbanism or Transit-Oriented Development. When you see this term in resumes, it usually means the candidate has experience in thoughtful city planning that considers both community needs and environmental impact.

Examples in Resumes

Led development of Smart Growth initiatives resulting in 30% increase in downtown occupancy

Implemented Smart Growth strategies for mixed-use development projects

Created neighborhood plans using Smart Growth principles to improve walkability and community engagement

Typical job title: "Urban Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Planner City Planner Community Development Specialist Land Use Planner Development Manager Planning Consultant Sustainability Coordinator

Where to Find Urban Planners

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How have you implemented Smart Growth principles in a challenging development project?

Expected Answer: A senior planner should discuss specific project examples where they balanced community needs, developer interests, and Smart Growth principles. They should mention strategies for overcoming resistance and achieving successful outcomes.

Q: How do you measure the success of a Smart Growth initiative?

Expected Answer: Should describe various metrics like increased walkability scores, reduced car dependency, improved property values, community satisfaction surveys, and environmental impact assessments.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What strategies would you use to promote mixed-use development in a suburban area?

Expected Answer: Should discuss practical approaches like identifying suitable locations, community engagement, zoning changes, and working with developers to create attractive proposals.

Q: How do you balance density requirements with community concerns?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for community engagement, education about benefits, design solutions that fit neighborhood character, and strategies for addressing common concerns like traffic and parking.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the key principles of Smart Growth?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic concepts like mixed-use development, compact building design, walkable neighborhoods, and preservation of open space in simple terms.

Q: How does Smart Growth differ from traditional suburban development?

Expected Answer: Should compare traditional sprawl with Smart Growth approaches, highlighting differences in density, land use mixing, transportation options, and community design.