ABSTRACT
This Chapter contains various model statutes that authorize methods of financing the planning activities authorized and required elsewhere in the Guidebook. Sections 13–101 through 13–103 authorize local governments to adopt and impose taxes to finance planning: a property tax, real property transfer tax, and a development excise tax. Section 13–104 is concerned with the dedicated purposes to which the special tax revenue may be put.
Section 13–201 is the Smart Growth Technical Assistance Act. It creates a state program under which grants may be made to regional planning agencies and local governments to support their “smart growth” planning activities. Smart growth is a defined term with a flexible but specified meaning that at its essence is compact and mixed-use development that increases choices in transportation and opportunities for personal interaction. Additionally, the state planning agency is directed to gather and distribute model plans and ordinances that encourage smart growth and to provide educational resources, training, and other technical assistance regarding the principles and methods of smart growth.
