North Carolina Million Acre Initiative

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  Why protect open space? corner
 
 
 

Open space supports our economic development.
Numerous studies show that homes close to parks and trails often have a higher property value than similar homes only a few blocks away because access to open space improves quality of life. Businesses are attracted to areas that have open space and a high quality of life, as well. A recent study showed that quality of life was the third largest concern of companies planning to relocate. The first and second concerns were access to a good transportation network and a skilled workforce.

Click here to read "The Impact of Parks on Property Values," a three-page PDF file.

Click here to read "Adding It Up: Growth Trends and Policies in North Carolina," a 45-page document prepared by the Brookings Institution.