The Smart Money Is On Smart Growth

Compact development and reinvestment in urban centers can save taxpayers money and improve regional economies. In this paper, Mark Muro and Robert Puentes review the best academic evidence on the fiscal and competitive advantages.

1 minute read

March 11, 2004, 8:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


Business and government leaders grow especially eager to restrain spending and stimulate growth in times of tight budgets and persistent economic uncertainty. In this paper, Mark Muro and Robert Puentes review the growing evidence that compact development patterns and reinvestment in established areas can save taxpayers money and improve regional economies. Overall, they conclude that managing growth with an eye to promoting urban vitality can at once reduce the cost of providing public infrastructure and services, and enhance regional economic performance. The report also contends that suburbs also benefit from policies that bolster the health of central cities. In sum, the best academic literature suggests that smart growth is especially smart in times of fiscal conservatism.

Thanks to Elena Sheridan

Monday, October 24, 2005 in The Brookings Institution

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises

Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.

April 23 - The Seattle Times

Rendering of Brightline West train passing through Southern California desert

Brightline West Breaks Ground

The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.

April 23 - KTLA

Aerial view of gold state capitol dome in Denver, Colorado and Denver skyline.

Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions

In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.

April 23 - Colorado Politics

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.