Better Models for Development in California

Author: Ed McMahon with Shelly Mastran
Publisher: The Conservation Fund and Local Government Commission, 2003
Layout: Softcover, 116 full color pages
Price: $15.00

Better Models for Development in California is a one of a kind publication for creating, maintaining and enhancing livable communities in California. Written for elected officials, planning commissioners, developers, land trusts and interested citizens, Better Models shows how new development can be made more attractive, more efficient and more profitable.

Through extensive use of photos and illustrations, Better Models provides suggestions for improving the quality and design of new development. Whether it is a new shopping center, a suburban subdivision or a neighborhood street, this book shows how new development can be both more profitable and more environmentally sensitive.

This book clearly and concisely sets out the choices facing California's small towns, rural areas and suburban communities. The choice is not growth versus no growth; growth is inevitable and desirable. But the destruction of community character and natural resources that has often accompanied growth in California is not inevitable. The real questions are how do we grow, where do we grow and what does new growth look like. This book provides valuable ideas, information and resources on how to improve the design and siting of new development. It provides numerous examples along with over 200 photographs of development that is good for both the economy and the environment.

To inquire about volume discounts, call 703-525-6300.