What Makes a Strong Community?

Many diverse elements go into making a vibrant, economically sound and highly livable community. A sampling of these elements is presented throughout.

All drawings, diagrams and descriptions shown here are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to be the start of a dialogue with the community. All are subject to revision.

Jobs & Commerce

•	Shopping districts can be designed to complement their surroundings.
•	Light industrial and live/work housing make it possible for neighbors to live, work and play in the same community.
•	Retail and other commercial uses provide a tax base to sustain a healthy community for all.
•	Commercial design can build on sense of place created through other design efforts.
•	Proper scale, siting and preservation of buffers keep industrial and commercial spaces from overwhelming a community.

Infrastructure

•	Shopping districts can be designed to complement their surroundings.
•	Light industrial and live/work housing make it possible for neighbors to live, work and play in the same community.
•	Retail and other commercial uses provide a tax base to sustain a healthy community for all.
•	Commercial design can build on sense of place created through other design efforts.
•	Proper scale, siting and preservation of buffers keep industrial and commercial spaces from overwhelming a community.

Transportation & Roads

•	Narrow, tree-lined streets slow traffic and encourage walking and biking.
•	Bike lanes and trail systems can ease traffic congestion while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Walkability

•	Sidewalks and walking trails can link neighborhoods with shopping and services, as well as provide connections to and through open space.
•	Compact, front-porch communities promote walkable communities while helping improve social interaction between residents and preserve land for parks and open spaces.

Gathering Places

•	Parks, open spaces, retail centers and civic facilities all bring people together and promote a sense of community.

Attractive Places to Live

•	A mix of home sizes and styles promotes a healthy diversity in age, income, background and interests.
•	Healthy communities provide housing opportunities for teachers, public employees, shop workers and other people who are critical to the fabric and success of the community.
•	A well-planned community is like a string of pearls, with many treasures strung together.

Preservation of Habitat & the Environment

•	Natural drainage systems clean rainwater runoff before it returns to the water table.
•	View corridors can be enhanced or protected.
•	Wildlife habitat and corridors can be preserved.
•	The sustainable development process focuses on reducing material use, recycling and conserving natural resources and energy.
•	Built Green™ and LEED® standards, among others, can ensure that the built environment is energy efficient and healthy, and that it treads more lightly on the planet.