03/13/2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Office of Governor Jesse Ventura • Growing smart in Minnesota Framework for action Minnesota is growing and changing fast. The question before Minnesota is not whetherwe grow — we will. The real question is howwe can grow in ways that improve the prosperity and quality of life for all as Minnesota competes in the knowledge, service -based and just -in- time economy of the 21st century. Our edge in this competition is the vitality of our economy, the soundness of our infrastructure, the quality of our workforce, the health of our environment the quality and abundance of our farmland and natural resources, and the attractiveness of our communities. Economic competitiveness is important not only to urban areas, but to regional growth centers and rural communities as well. All parts of the state face the challenge of maximizing economic opportunity and connecting people to housing, transportation and jobs.At the same time Minnesota must protect and enhance the environment and other assets that keep communities attractive places to live and work. This is what smart growth is all about. With smart growth, some things must grow -- jobs, productivity, wages, education, housing opportunities, savings, profits, opportunity and knowledge. Others — pollution, waste and poverty — must not. Goals of the Ventura Smart Growth Initiative Minnesotans care deeply about their state and want a strong economy, a healthy environment and robust, vital communities, both for themselves and for future generations. First the state must listen to citizens, businesses and local governments, and encourage their participation and involvement at the local level in deciding what smart growth williook like in their community. The goals of Governor Ventura's Smart Growth initiative are to: ■ Maximize economic opportunity for all while protecting and enhancing the assets that make Minnesota a great place to live — healthy communities, dean air and water, and Minnesota's unique natural, cultural and historical areas. ■ Manage natural resources and agricultural land to ensure they are sustained for future generations. ■ Be fiscally prudent by building an existing public investments and avoiding future costs down the road.