Leaders of progressive communities know that growth carries opportunities and risks. Growth often brings a city more revenue, new job opportunities, and a diversity of residents. But if not managed thoughtfully, new growth can be costly and impose financial burdens on city budgets. Clarion Associates has worked with numerous communities to identify the effects of growth and to write plans and regulations to minimize negative impacts. Clarion has developed a five-part framework for growth management that addresses these key attributes: timing, location, amount/density, quality, and cost. Using this framework, we customize growth management planning according to the needs of each community. Below are a few examples of our work in growth management: Pennsylvania Cost of Growth Study Even while Pennsylvania and its largest metropolitan areas have been losing population, many parts of the Keystone State are struggling with issues related to unmanaged suburban and rural growth. Residents are particularly worried about the loss of agricultural and sensitive lands, and the deterioration of urban centers. Clarion Associates worked with a state-wide advisory committee to conduct an analysis of the costs and effects of growth. We then conducted six case studies around the state. The studies examined growth in a variety of locations, including old cities, inner-ring suburbs, and fast-growing outlying suburbs. Issues included infrastructure, transportation, land costs, social costs, and economic trends. The study is being used by advocates to develop state, regional and local legislative initiatives for growth management. Client: 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania Growth Management Plan, Cary, North Carolina North Carolina's renowned Research Triangle area is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and the nearby town of Cary is directly affected. Clarion and a team of consultants analyzed the effects of growth and drafted a comprehensive growth management plan for the town that set goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation programs. The plan addresses a wide range of issues, including: capacity of public services, development fees, public process planning, and development ordinances. Client: Town of Cary Cost of Development/Impact Fee Study, Greeley, Colorado Concerned that its development fees were inadequate, Greeley hired Clarion Associates to review their fee structures and financing methods. We provided an in-depth analysis of alternative tools available to recover the costs of public infrastructure, including impact fees, excise taxes, concurrency requirements, utilities and enterprise funds, public building authorities, and special districts. Client: City of Greeley Comprehensive Growth Management Strategy, Wake County North Carolina Clarion Associates is leading a multi-disciplinary team to create a comprehensive Growth Management Strategy for Wake County, North Carolina. The area has grown rapidly since 1990 and expects another 500,000 new residents during the next 20 years. We are working closely with a 42-member task force of representatives from the county, the school district and twelve municipalities. This planning process is focusing on growth concerns in seven areas: community character, cost of growth, water/sewer, schools, transportation, open space, and land development standards. Client: Wake County