Once again, Tucson’s quality of life is in the news, and this time the focus is on smart growth.

Smart growth is an international movement that concentrates resources on the vitality of a community’s urban center – all the while preserving open space and environmental amenities. And the Urban Land Institute – a nonprofit organizational leader in responsible land use – is paying attention to Tucson’s smart growth this week.

On May 1, at the Hilton El Conquistador on North Oracle Road, Tucson’s University of Arizona Main Gate Square development will be one of the hot topics discussed. It’s all part of the Urban Land Institute’s interactive workshop that’s showcasing successful centers of urban activity.

The Main Gate Square development project borders the University of Arizona campus, and has grown into a great pedestrian and shopping mecca just west of the University’s main gate. There’s the Old Pueblo Trolley as well as a host of shops, restaurants, attractions, university amenities and a hotel that serve students, residents, business and visitors alike.

In addition to Main Gate Square, Tucson projects involving the Downtown Tucson Partnership and Hotel Congress also will be featured at the workshop. Attendees will be able to learn project development insights as well as lessons learned along the way. Maricopa County projects in Tempe also will be showcased.

The Urban Land Institute, established in 1936, has more than 38,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development. For more information about attending this program, which is sponsored by the Urban Land Institute Southern Arizona chapter, check out the chapter website. It’s nice to see the focus on sustainable, thriving communities here in Tucson!

This entry was posted on Monday, April 28th, 2008 at 10:53 am and is filed under Tucson News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.