Sprawl photo © CEC

Population forecasts estimate that approximately eight million people will live in Colorado by 2035 -- an increase of about 3 million people from 2006. Where will all of these people live? Where will they work?

There are many possible uses of land in any given community, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and open space. Land use planning is the process by which local governments determine which land uses they will allow where in their communities. To help guide land use patterns, growth management, environmental protection, and other aspects of community development, counties and cities throughout Colorado create a blueprint for their community called a "comprehensive plan". Zoning regulations and land use law then guide how this plan is implemented on the ground.

Historical development patterns in Colorado have created sprawling urbanized areas in much of the state. As Colorado has grown, development has sprawled further and further from city and town centers, forcing people to drive longer distances to get to work, school, church, shopping, and kids' soccer practices. The more Coloradans drive, the more global warming and ozone pollution we create.  With part of the state violating the federal ozone standard and the severity of the global warming crisis we face, we are going in the wrong direction.

CEC is working with conservationists, elected officials and planning professionals to reverse this trend and promote smart growth principles in communities across Colorado.