Smart growth essentially refers to the sustainable development of urban areas in a way that balances economic, social, and environmental needs. It's an approach that recognizes the importance of long-term planning and strategic land use decisions. Various words and phrases can be used to describe this concept, including sustainable urban planning, green growth, eco-friendly development, and environmentally responsible growth. These terms all point to the same idea of creating livable and resilient communities that optimize available resources and minimize negative impacts on the environment. The use of synonyms helps to amplify the message and make the concept of smart growth more accessible to a broader audience.