The Smart Growth Law, also known as the State Comprehensive Planning Law, was enacted by the State of Wisconsin in October 1999. The Smart Growth Law requires that every community in Wisconsin have a comprehensive plan adopted by the governing body of the unit of government by January 1, 2010. 

Implementation of the plan is a requirement of the Smart Growth Law. Implementation means that all local programs and actions affecting land use must be consistent with the comprehensive plan. Those programs or actions which are not consistent could become void. For example, if a court of law determines that a local government’s zoning ordinance is not consistent with its comprehensive plan, the zoning could be invalidated.
 

The value of Smart Growth for Milwaukee

Improving coordination
In the past, planning was done separately for major elements such as housing, streets, and sewers. Implementation of the Smart Growth Law  decreases inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the planning process using three types of coordination:

·	Coordination within a single government among different topics (e.g. covering both housing and transportation in a neighborhood plan) and  across departments
·	Coordination among different levels of government (with federal agencies, the State, the Milwaukee region, Milwaukee County, and other municipalities)
·	Coordination with non-profits and the private sector

Creating standard planning procedures
Statewide comprehensive planning legislation offered the City an opportunity to focus on creating standards for planning-related activities. As part of the plan preparation, the City has developed:

·	Standard templates for the layout and content of plans
·	Standard evaluation methods for updating plans
·	Standard public participation procedures