Smart Growth

Commonwealth Capital Scorecard

The Commonwealth Capital Scorecard (2006) was part of Massachusetts' Commonwealth Capital Program. Massachusetts initiated the program in 2005 to distribute state funding for capital and infrastructure based on whether cities and towns were engaged in smart growth planning.

Each community received a score based on its responses. This score counted for 30 percent of the decision on whether a community received a Commonwealth Capital grant and/or loan. Commonwealth Capital was a screen for $500 million in grants and loans annually; it rewarded communities engaged in smart growth planning and gave capital funding to places that need it for smart growth.

Communities noted that completing the Commonwealth Capital scorecard was a useful exercise for determining where they were in their long-term growth strategy, planning, and overall direction. More than 350 cities and towns completed scorecards in fiscal years 2005 to 2011.

  • Issue categories:
    • Plan for and promote livable communities
    • Zone for and permit compact development
    • Expand housing opportunities
    • Redevelop sites and buildings
    • Conserve natural resources
    • Advance sound water policy
    • Sustain working natural landscapes
    • Promote sustainable development via other actions
  • Number of questions: 27
  • Scale of each rated component: Variable up to 10
  • Summary score: Yes

See more scorecards to help evaluate municipal-level policies, specific projects, and community components on EPA's Smart Growth Scorecards page.

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