The Victoria Transportation Policy Institute issues a highly detailed critique of the most common Smart Growth criticisms.
The paper "evaluates criticisms of Smart Growth land use policies. It defines the concept of Smart Growth, contrasts it with sprawl, and describes common Smart Growth strategies. It examines various criticisms of Smart Growth, including the claim that it does not reflect consumer preferences, infringes on freedom, increases traffic congestion and air pollution, reduces housing affordability, results in socially undesirable levels of density, increases public service costs, requires wasteful transit subsidies and is unjustified. This analysis indicates that many claims by critics reflect an incomplete understanding of Smart Growth, and inaccurate analysis... This paper was written to provide technical background for the "Smart Growth Pro or Con" debate between VTPI Executive Director Todd Litman and Wendell Cox at the 2nd Urban Street Symposium held in Anaheim, California, July 30, 2003." Editor's note: The link below is to a PDF document.
Thanks to Michael D. Setty
FULL STORY: Evaluating Criticism of Smart Growth

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie