The Smart Growth on the Ground process is highlighted by:

• an emphasis on the SGOG principles
• extensive public participation
• a consensus-based charrette event
• research
• practical action

1. Community Selection and Agreement
   The SGOG team and our Advisory Committee use specific criteria to select each partner community. Once invited to participate, the local elected officials must commit to the process by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the SGOG organizations.
   
   
2. Stakeholder Education and Input
   All the people and groups with a stake in the process are identified (such as developers, residents, environmentalists, business owners, and so on).  These "stakeholders" learn about sustainable development, and provide their input on priorities and specific directions for the future. Representatives are also elected to participate at the charrette. For examples, see the descriptions of previous events in Maple Ridge, Squamish, and Greater Oliver.
   
   
3. Preparation of Design Brief
   The Design Brief is a set of design instructions for the charrette team. These instructions are prepared using input from the public, existing policy at all levels of government, and best management practices for sustainable development.  For examples, see the Design Briefs created for Maple Ridge, Squamish, and Greater Oliver.
   
   
4. Organization of the Charrette 
   A wide range of relevant maps and resources are compiled for the use of the charrette team, including maps of land use, environmental features and hazards, market data, and other background information. The logistics of the charrette event are coordinated, and the charrette team members are finalized.
   
   
5. The Charrette
   The charrette is the focal point of the SGOG process.  A charrette is an intensive design workshop to create a "development concept plan," including land use, transportation and urban design plans.   The SGOG team facilitates and offers design expertise, but decisions are made by the locally-based charrette team. To learn more, see the descriptions of the charrettes in Maple Ridge, Squamish, and Greater Oliver.
   
   
6. Research
   Research takes place before, during, and after the charrette. The research is targeted to the needs of the community, and creates a bridge between theory and real-life questions and situations. For examples of SGOG research to date, see the Bulletins on the Publications page.
   
   
7. Finalization of the Concept Plan
   This phase involves finalizing all drawings, including all research results, and preparing a concept plan document. The Concept Plan is presented to the local elected officials for adoption.  For examples, see the Maple Ridge Concept Plan and the Downtown Squamish Concept Plan.
   
   
8. Implementation - Getting the Results On the Ground
   If the Concept Plan is adopted, the partner community must revise their development rules and regulations to match the vision.  Catalyst buildings and infrastructure may also be built.  The SGOG team can assist with changes to by-laws and policies, link the community to future research partners and funders, continue the education process, and review development applications.
   
   
9. Monitoring and Communication 
   To ensure that the Concept Plan vision becomes reality, the SGOG team helps to monitor progress and share the results.  The team conducts research on the achievement of targets, cost analysis, post-construction performance, and so on. Results are communicated on this website and through presentations, publications, and other ways.
   
   
10. Post-Project Evaluation
    After work in each partner community is completed, the SGOG team conducts an internal review.  The team evaluates the process and responds to the lessons learned. This ensures that the Smart Growth on the Ground process remains dynamic and continually evolving.