The Land Conservation Brokerage (LCB) was formed to help find innovative solutions to preserve California’s natural and cultural heritage. Achieving meaningful conservation, whether of cultural or natural resources, means using a variety of tools. Acquisition is one tool, as is restoration.

Conservation-friendly “smart growth” development, which minimizes or eliminates sprawl, is another option. This smart growth project in Clarendon, Virginia, mixes residential and retail uses with pedestrian-friendly public space. Residents can walk to shopping or to nearby transit.  The development includes a children's play area near restaurants. This type of development utilizes land in a manner that prioritizes pedestrian safety and neighborhood character over sprawl.

In contrast, this project in San Diego, California, places homes far away from services; residents must use an automobile for every trip--even the most simple errands require a car.  Auto-dependant neighborhoods promote sprawl.

The LCB will provide real estate brokerage and strategic advisory services to property owners and developers interested in including "smart growth" conservation-friendly development practices in their plans. California is growing, and the way in which it grows will determine whether it is still a wonderful place to live when our children are raising children of their own.