City of Mobile Smart Growth Planning Award

Jun 2nd, 2003

Posted in: Urban Development

City of Mobile, Smart Growth for Mobile Initiative, Recipient of the Alabama Planning Association's 2003 Outstanding Planning Program

Mobile, Alabama - On May 22, 2003 at the Alabama Planning Association's 20th Annual Awards Luncheon, the City of Mobile Urban Development Department was the recipient of the 2003 Outstanding Planning Program Award for its community planning initiative entitled, Smart Growth for Mobile: A New Alternative. The purpose of this program is to address the City of Mobile's existing growth issues by offering an alternative approach to conventional development practices.

Facilitated by the Urban Development Planning Staff, the City of Mobile Smart Growth program offers a framework for decision-making regarding Mobile's growth and development future. To ensure the adoption of Smart Growth policies and practices that are practical for Mobile, the Smart Growth Steering Committee was formed. This committee is comprised of not only other city departments, but also professionals from all facets of the development community, ranging from local developers, to grassroots interests. For the first time ever, representatives from all aspects of the development community are in partnership with the City of Mobile to achieve a shared vision for community growth and development.

In the Spring of 2003, the Smart Growth for Mobile Policy Document was unanimously adopted by the Smart Growth Steering Committee and the Mobile City Planning Commission. The Policy Document outlines alternative development practices for the following areas: Design Alternatives, Strengthening the Existing Community, the Preservation of Critical Environmental Areas and Open Space, Transportation Options, and Development Incentives. The City Council will consider adoption of the Policy Document within the next couple of months.

For a complete copy of the Smart Growth for Mobile Policy Document, visit the city's website at www.cityofmobile.org and select Urban Development. The Smart Growth Policy Document can be downloaded as a pdf file by clicking here.