Communities across the country want to get the most out of future growth and development. Residents and leaders from all types of communities--from urban to suburban to rural--want to achieve the best possible economic, social, environmental, and public health outcomes. This desire is particularly evident in rural communities that may be experiencing changes in their traditional landscapes and ways of life. In communities with less diverse economies, the choices between what was and what could be are critical. The reverberations of simple decisions or even of inaction can be relatively dramatic. This publication is designed to provide rural decision-makers with a resource for balancing competing goals while creating more vibrant, sustainable communities. It is intended to show how smart growth approaches can be adapted and applied in the rural context, particularly in times of change.