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1111 Introduction . Having a military base close or reduce operations can be traumatic for its host community. The future is uncertain-residents worry about losing jobs and declining property vaLues, Local business owners fear a devastating impact, and people are concerned about environmental contamination on the base. The challenges may seem daunting, but many communities have transformed fonner bases into valuable assets. Indeed, many of these redevelopments have become showplaces for the entire region-boosting the economy, creating jobs, providing homes, and protecting the environment. Planning for redevelopment at the former Lowry Air Force Base 2 A completely or partIally closed base may offer a com- munity a large parcel of land for redevelopment-and the enticing potential for a new and enduring neighborhood that brings jobs, residents, visitors, and tax revenue. By accommodating grovvth on previously used land, the property allows the community to add new businesses and residents without having to build on undeveloped land elsewhere in the area. Many of the most successful military-base redevelop- ment projects share several important traits. First, local leaders began planning for redevelopment early, in some cases even before they were certain that the base would . dose, and they p[an~ed \.~.'ith an eye toward long-term benefits instead of short-term gains. They listened to the community's desires, needs, and ideas and kept the public involved throughout the redevelopment process. They considered how best to balance the area's need for jobs, homes, and public amenities like parks and natu- rallands. They used the base's location, infrastructure, historic buildings, and environmentally sensitive lands to the best advantage. They emphasized good design to create neighborhoods that would feel welcoming, fit in with the surrounding community, be easy to get around in, and become a place people would be proud to can home. Communities around the nation have used these strategies to plan for growth, maintain and improve their quality of life, and protect public health and the environ- ment. These approaches often are called "smart growth." This publication will describe smart growth principles and practices in more detail later on. .