Colorado Office of Smart Growth Director
To Discuss Growth Management Strategies
Communities all across Colorado are seeking ways to mitigate the impacts of new growth and development, and Montrose County is no different. According to the state demography office, the population of the county grew by more than 5,000 people between 2000 and 2006. Forecasts indicate that the county’s population will grow by another 12,000 by 2015. Montrose County officials are in the process now of researching and developing responsible land use planning and growth management strategies to minimize the impacts of this growth. As in every planning effort, the key is to strike the balance between individual liberties and the public good.
When done properly, sound growth management policies can accomplish a number of community goals, including:
- Preserve viable agricultural land, environmentally sensitive areas and other open space assets
- Encourage downtown businesses by targeting infill development opportunities and Main Street revitalization efforts
- Make certain development preserves and enhances the quality of life and encourages/sustains economic development
- Ensure that adequate infrastructure (utilities, roads, schools, parks, etc.) will be available to support new development
- Provide predictability for the development community
- Foster intergovernmental cooperation and a better understanding of regional issues
The Office of Smart Growth in the Colorado Department of Local Affairs provides technical and financial assistance to local governments throughout Colorado in the areas of land use planning and growth management, and is involved in related legislative and policy issues.
Eric Bergman, Director of the Colorado Office of Smart Growth, will discuss the various growth management tools that are available at an upcoming Planning Commission work session. Some of the growth management tools include impact fees, rural clustering incentives, mixed use zoning, concurrency requirements, intergovernmental agreements (IGAs), open space preservation programs, transfer or purchase of development rights, growth caps and urban growth boundaries. Bergman’s presentation to the Planning Commission will be March 20 at 6:00pm at the County Commissioners Board Room (161 S. Townsend). The public is encouraged to attend this unique educational opportunity. To RSVP for this free presentation please call 252-4527.
