ABOUT THE COALITION FOR SMART GROWTH
 
Current land-use patterns in Lancaster County (PA) are placing intense pressure on the agricultural, economic, environmental, and social well-being of the County. By 2030, the projected addition of more than 100,000 new residents and 50,000 new households will further challenge our ability to sustain working farms, farmland and the business of agriculture, economic growth, and a high quality of life for all residents.
 
The Coalition for Smart Growth was organized to meet this challenge. Following the development of a set of smart growth policies and goals that were formulated through the input of a variety of organizations and individuals (“Stakeholders”), we were established in 2003 to work for a sustainable and balanced future for Lancaster County.
 
We believe that most county residents support the concept of smart growth as called for in Lancaster County’s Growth Management Plan Update (entitled “Balance”), in which agricultural preservation is balanced with residential, commercial, and industrial development located within the county’s Designated Growth Areas. However, smart growth also means mixed-use development, increased density, economic vitality, affordable housing, healthy communities, and transportation choices; not all of these aspects of smart growth have been as readily accepted.
 
Join us in working for the future of Lancaster County, one that preserves agriculture as well as strong communities, a unique culture and heritage, and a strong economy.