“Smart growth” and dynamic modeling: implications for quality of life in Montgomery County, Maryland

Growth management initiatives have spread wildly through the planning and ecology professions, but as yet are relatively untested for their positive effect on regional quality of life and development patterns. This model illustrates the process through which select initiatives can impact development patterns, population growth, and quality of life in Montgomery County, Maryland. Model analysis suggests that a conservative environmental development approach has the most positive impact on local quality of life.