Across our nation urban sprawl is bringing countless harms. From loss of farm and forest land to increased highway congestion and the abandonment of our city centers, urban areas are not responsible or sustainable. The Montana Green Party knows that we need to enact laws that foster smart growth. We must protect our resources and landscapes, not pave them over. Jane Jacobs said that new ideas need old buildings. We need to redevelop our city centers to enliven community spirit and preserve our countryside. We need to enact laws that clarify the authority of city and county planning authorities and give serious, long-term thought to the size, shape and character of our cities.