Smart growth projects are designed to address which of the following?

Smart growth projects are primarily aimed at helping to avoid the costs associated with urban sprawl while promoting stable investments in communities. This approach emphasizes sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental preservation and community enhancement. By prioritizing dense, walkable neighborhoods with access to public transportation, smart growth initiatives effectively reduce the need for extensive road and infrastructure expansion that typically accompanies sprawl. Such projects foster an environment that can lead to increased property values, improved quality of life, and the efficient use of resources.

As a result, smart growth helps create communities that are more livable and economically viable, focusing on long-term planning that benefits both current and future residents. This approach also alleviates the financial burden on local municipalities that comes with managing sprawling developments, such as increased transportation and utility costs.

Consideration of the other options highlights their contrast with the principles of smart growth. Urban sprawl, for example, tends to lead to decreased property values and higher expenses related to maintaining extensive infrastructure, which is at odds with the smart growth philosophy.