what is sensible growth? 
The Chicago region expe- rienced unprecedented deve- lopment and expansion in the last thirty years. North-eastern Illinois, with its flat lands, expansive farm fields and no natural boundaries other than Lake Michigan, is an ideal location for suburban and "edge city" development. Such growth has created a competitive real estate market in the suburbs for housing, office parks and retail development. Businesses that had been located in the central business district have moved to the suburbs in an effort to save on taxes, have ample access to parking, and have plenty of space to expand.   
    At the same time, concerns are rising over the depletion of land and the efficiency and social consequences of fragmented, low-density development. 		    
The cost of this expansion is hitting the suburban taxpayer as more schools are built, roads are extended, and tolls are collected. People who moved in search of community and open space are finding instead traffic congestion, long commutes to work, and a loss of natural areas.  

Sensible Growth 

    The focus of this publication is to explore innovations in development throughout the Chicago area and highlight examples of how community- building and design have responded to the challenges facing the metropolitan region. We call this "sensible growth" because it seeks to maximize economic growth through more efficient use of resources and investment opportunities. 

     
    The guidebook is divided into five sections: (1) Getting out of the car; (2) Where we live; (3) Shopping & town centers; (4) The workplace; and (5) Connecting to the environment.   
    Each section includes a short discussion of challenges, examples of applied solutions, and guiding principles.   
    At the end of the guidebook, a list of contacts and resources is provided for those interested in more information.  
 
  walkable downtown is a model for promoting revitalization of historic suburban centers at the region's edges. Porches, popular at the last turn of the century, are making a comeback in new development.