Public Invited to Smart Growth Workshop Monday

City of Elkins is working with Smart Growth America to envision strategies for effective economic development for our community–and public participation is crucial. The public is invited to an interactive workshop to learn more about promising directions for Elkins, hear about interesting examples from other similar communities, and to share ideas. The workshop will be held on Monday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Phil Gainer Community Center.

During the workshop, Smart Growth America will present data it has collected about the city’s current development patterns, community fiscal health, and promising next steps. City officials and leaders from a variety of public organizations and private businesses will attend other sessions with Smart Growth America representatives to provide insight on specific challenges and opportunities. Workshop attendees will also learn about concrete examples from successful communities similar to Elkins. The goal: a plan to further strengthen and improve Elkins through place-based economic development strategies and catalytic projects.

From the Smart Growth America website:

What is Smart Growth America?

Smart Growth America advocates for people who want to live and work in great neighborhoods. The organization works toward smart growth solutions that support thriving businesses and jobs, provide more options for how people get around, and make it more affordable to live near work and the grocery store. The coalition works with communities to counter sprawl and look for opportunities to save money.

Smart Growth America envisions a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient. We empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership to realize our vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity.

Smart investments and common sense solutions

Smart Growth America advocates for people who want to live and work in great neighborhoods. We believe smart growth solutions support thriving businesses and jobs, provide more options for how people get around and make it more affordable to live near work and the grocery store. Our coalition works with communities to fight sprawl and save money. We are improving lives by improving communities.

Making communities work for everyone

At the heart of the American dream is the simple hope that each of us can choose to live in a neighborhood that’s beautiful, affordable, and in which it’s easy to get around. We want to create healthy communities with strong local businesses, schools and shops nearby, transportation options and jobs that pay well.

Smart growth strategies help make these dreams a reality. Smart growth is about creating local jobs and protecting the environment. It is about being able to safely walk to a park close by. It is about spending less time in traffic and more time doing what’s important to you.