Dear Friends and Supporters,

After over 12 years of serving the Wood River Valley, Citizens for Smart Growth will sadly close its doors at the end of this month. Our Board of Directors and Staff have agreed the organization is no longer financially sustainable.

The "smart growth" movement started in the 1990's to prevent the environmental, social, and economic consequences of poorly planned growth, often called sprawl. In 1997, a local group of concerned citizens created Citizens for Smart Growth to promote smart growth principles throughout Blaine County and empower citizens to get more involved in land use planning. Over the years, Smart Growth's core objectives have remained the same:

• Encourage citizen and stakeholder participation in land use decisions
• Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities
• Create walkable, bicycle-friendly, and transit-oriented communities
• Support a range of housing opportunities and choices
• Make development decisions fair, predictable, and transparent
• Foster attractive communities with a strong sense of place
• Protect wildlife habitat, working farms & ranches, and outdoor recreation
• Promote a strong and diverse local economy

One of the greatest challenges we faced as an organization - besides raising funds - was inspiring people to get involved in local land-use planning. Public participation is crucial for shaping vibrant and sustainable communities. Get involved in choosing your future!

We look to the people, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and other groups in Blaine County to continue our vision for vibrant communities, consistent with the elements of smart growth. In past economic downturns, property values in Blaine County have become stagnant only to rebound with a fury. The need for vigilance and strong community advocacy has not diminished.

Thank you for all your support over the years!

Respectfully,

Nathan Welch, Executive Director and Kristen Olenick, Director of Operations