GOVERNORS AND GROWTH Decisions about how and where to grow communities are the prerogative of states and localities. But not surprisingly, the federal government has a very real interest in development that serves the economy, the community and especially, the environment. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Endowment for the Arts are funding a new national effort to assist governors as they shape the future of their communities. Called the Governors Institute on Community Design, its goal is to help state chief executives better understand how growth affects the environment and human health, and to provide tools and strategies so they can better plan for and manage that growth. Led by former Governors Christie Whitman, Parris Glendening and Angus King, the institute will allow leaders to share innovations; deliberate “big picture” questions; and develop
cost-effective solutions appropriate to each state. This year the Institute will conduct four workshops to pair governors with top planning experts and practitioners. The Institute is similar to the Mayors Institute on City Design, and will be administered jointly by the Smart Growth Leadership Institute and the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland.