Smart Growth Spreads in Virginia's Southern Suburbs

Amidst a regional real estate boom that has driven up the price of new housing, more and more citizens in the once-sleepy suburbs of Richmond are organizing to address the sprawling developments that are popping up. Under the auspices of “smart growth,” “responsible growth,” or “growth management,” homeowners, businesspeople, and other residents have formed various entities aimed at garnering some level of control over the rapid pace of homebuilding in their communities.

Groups have formed in Richmond’s major suburban counties, a regional umbrella organization exists, and the Urban Land Institute – a leading voice for development in the US – has set up a smart growth shop in Virginia’s capital region. The Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting on the formation of a new group in Powhatan, a once rural locale that is seeing a steady increase in people and large lot housing. For now, the proponents of “smart growth” are working to define their conception of the term:

“Powhatan County residents upset by rapid growth are preparing to push for ‘smart growth.’ One of their first tasks will be figuring out what that is… [the definition] ‘hasn't been formulated yet, but it will be.’”

At any rate, the effort is designed to empower the citizens to take action in the best interests of their community. One participant notes: “If people are going to complain about the way the county is changing, then they need to get involved -- either that or quit complaining.”

Regardless of the outcome, it looks as if smart growth is here to stay in Metro Richmond. If groups like this can effectively shape local development and growth policy through citizen activism in a heavy Dillon Rule state like Virginia, it could be a lesson for progressive interests throughout the South who wish to reach deeper into these typically conservative outposts.