Chasing Taxes

Arizona cities are falling prey to "zoning for dollars." "The pressure to encourage new development is supersizing Valley cities, as they annex land to support the next big mall...Economics load the dice against balanced growth. Through taxes, Valley cities make almost $9 for every $1 they spend on services for commercial projects. (Residential, while generally a losing proposition, is of course the necessary lure for retailers.)" Within this structure, planners have little ability to affect the broader needs of their communities.