1. How is economic development defined?
Economic development is the development of economic wealth of countries, regions or areas for the well being of their inhabitants. From a policy perspective, economic development can be defined as efforts that seek to improve the economic well being and quality of life of a community by creating or retaining jobs and supporting or growing incomes and the community's tax base.

2. What is fiscal responsibility?
Having the responsibility of managing public revenues (taxation), public spending, debt, and finance, whereas, the degree to which an entity acts responsibly would be a qualitative and/or quantitative measure of effectiveness.

3. What is “green building?”
Sustainable, or "green building," design and construction provide an opportunity to use resources more efficiently, while creating healthier and more energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings. Successful green buildings leave a lighter footprint on the environment through conservation of resources, while at the same time balancing energy-efficient, cost-effective, low-maintenance products for construction needs. In other words, green-building design involves finding the delicate balance between homebuilding and a sustainable environment.

4. What is an Environmental Impact Statement?
Environmental Impact Statements , or EISs, are often required during the course of a development. The need for an EIS is "triggered" by different reasons. Among these "triggers" are the use of government funds, the use of government land, or the need to rezone land. Before working on an EIS, however, developers must complete an Environmental Assessment , or EA. The EIS or EA is used to apply for different land use permits. The EA includes reports from botanists, noise specialists, archaeologists, environmentalists, and other experts who have analyzed the impact of every step of the development—from the construction to after the completion. A-30 day public review period is required, during which time the public has the chance to view the EA and give feedback. If the EA proves that there are no significant "impacts," an Environmental Impact Statement is not needed.

5. What does an Environmental Impact Study/Statement cover?
A typical Environmental Impact Study or Statement (EIS) covers the following topics in great depth and detail, and are usually submitted with recommendations to reduce, minimize or eliminate any negative impacts that may be identified:

6. What is environmental mitigation?
One way that new development protects our environment is through environmental mitigation. Environmental mitigation refers to a series of actions a developer must take to avoid and minimize damage to sensitive natural areas, and then offset any unavoidable impacts with restoration or enhancement of other areas. These actions are required by a number of environmental laws and must occur before the developer may begin construction.