The following set of principles was distilled by David Crossley from documents and discussions about Smart Growth and Sustainable Development published by leading advocates of those ideas, including the Urban Land Institute, the National Governors Association, the US Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Homebuilders, and many other organizations. They were then compared to the major quality of life concepts that have been repeatedly advocated in the Houston region in plans and visions over the last two decades, and this list, according to Crossley, is the set of desires that Houstonians appear to share with the rest of the United States:

• Make comprehensive plans for growth and redevelopment
• Encourage full participation in all public planning processes
• Preserve and enhance the natural environment
• Leverage and enhance diversity in all its forms
• Focus on safe, healthy, walkable neighborhoods
• Support high quality education
• Support vibrant, walkable activity centers
• Establish a secure and vibrant local revenue base
• Support equal and just opportunities for jobs, housing, and access to goods and services
• Increase green space and open space, particularly in neighborhoods
• Develop transportation choices
• Public agencies collaborate and coordinate.