SmartGrowth is designed to guide growth through which approach?

• A. Local plan for growth that preserves resources
• B. Private market incentives
• C. Federal deregulation
• D. State plan for development that preserves natural resources

Answer: (D)

SmartGrowth guides growth through a statewide planning framework that coordinates where development happens while protecting natural resources. It emphasizes directing growth to designated areas and preserving farmland, forests, and water resources, so development occurs in places with existing infrastructure and avoids sprawl. This makes a state plan for development that preserves natural resources the best fit. Private market incentives alone don't guarantee resource protection; federal deregulation would reduce protections; local plans alone don't provide statewide coordination that aligns with resource preservation.