Planning for sustainable growth of existing cities or the creation of sustainable new towns requires an understanding of the complex and interrelated factors that shape city form — land and market economics, social conditions, community values, environmental context, and infrastructure patterns.

Planning for the growth and revitalization of existing cities or major new town developments provides the opportunity for creating sustainable communities. Whether the planning effort is led by public or private interests, the planning process must define a balance between public good, private profit, and the desires of existing residents. Community Design + Architecture's approach focuses on integrating the city with its region and neighborhoods, by:

• creating a sustainable pattern of development that integrates the urban environment with the landscape and that protects valuable open space;
• defining a pattern of mixed-use districts, centers, and neighborhoods that support community life and transit, bicycling, and walking;
• defining a land use mix that compliments the regional economy and that will allow flexibility overtime to address changing market economics;
• understanding the capacity of existing infrastructure and methods for expanding its capacity while reducing environmental impacts;
• planning the phasing of land development and infrastructure to ensure that appropriate and affordable community services and transportation systems are always available; and,
• identifying opportunities for infill and reuse to minimize the demand for development of open lands and maximizing economic efficiency.

CD+A has experience working with cities in California, Florida, and Colorado in updating citywide planning policies; and with private developers in planning and implementing new towns and master planned communities in the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.