Smart growth and urban economic development:connecting economic development and land-use planning using the example of high-tech firms

摘要

This paper explores the connections between economic development and sustainable land-use planning. It brings forward the idea that for cities to adapt their development patterns from low-density urban sprawl, they must plan and develop with efforts coordinated between economic development and land-use planning. It uses the example of the high-tech sector to determine what aspects are needed to create areas that are both attractive to high-tech firms while also matching the principles of smart growth, a popular method of sustainable urban development. It analyzes two case-study areas in Metro Vancouver: Yaletown, a dense neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver; and Crestwood Corporate Centre, a traditional office park in Richmond. Through these case studies the important factors needed to attract high-tech firms are determined, and connections with aspects of smart growth are articulated. It is argued that economic development and forms of sustainable urban development such as smart growth have positive connections and mutually beneficial results when coordinated.