The Economic Development Commission Meeting in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, held on September 20, 2025, focused on the concept of "smart growth" in community planning. The meeting began with a discussion led by a member who shared their experiences and insights into smart growth, a term that emphasizes the integration of housing, transportation, and land use to foster healthy and resilient neighborhoods.

The speaker noted their background in conservation and urban planning, highlighting their previous work with the Nature Conservancy and the Rhode Island School of Design. They expressed a keen interest in how smart growth can facilitate community development while preserving local character. The speaker emphasized that smart growth is not just a rigid framework but a flexible approach that encourages community involvement and consensus in planning processes.

The discussion aimed to introduce the concept to the commission and gauge interest in adopting smart growth principles in future projects. The speaker described smart growth as a community-friendly strategy that aligns with the development goals of Hopkinton, suggesting it could enhance the town's overall livability and sustainability.

As the meeting progressed, the commission members were encouraged to consider how smart growth could be integrated into their planning efforts. The session concluded with a call for further exploration of this approach, inviting members to reflect on its potential benefits for the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of innovative planning strategies like smart growth in shaping the future of Hopkinton, with an emphasis on community engagement and sustainable development.