Chronicling land-use controls from the past generation, this analysis describes recent changes in state perspective toward managing community growth. Case studies of six states, representing diverse political cultures and locations, are analyzed in regard to how they have dealt with issues such as public facilities, transportation, open space, affordable housing, and economic development. Showing how other states are handling newsworthy matters such as sustainability and infrastructure to improve the quality of life in communities the examination provides perspectives on many issues, including voter willingness to raise taxes for transit, open space, and related smart growth initiatives; increasing state protections of private property rights; and the rise in special districts and private governance.