Boomburbs At Buildout?

Many 'Boomburbs,' or large fast-growing suburbs, are nearing their buildout, argues Robert E. Lang.

1 minute read

January 7, 2005, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Buildoutrefers to the point at which development has reached a city’s borders, or has exhaustedlarge-scale greenfield options. Boomburbs will soon face a decision: do they stopbooming once they reach their current limits or develop a new growth model that moreintensively uses existing land? Or will they grab more space for continuing greenfielddevelopment?One hundred and forty Boomburbs were surveyed about their buildout options. Theyprovided information on several variables including future density, the amount of spaceleft to build on, and the mixture of land uses that will fill this space. The answers variedwidely, with some places looking to become far more urbanized, while others rush tobuild even lower-density development. Yet, most Boomburbs expect to grow denser as they buildout. The paper concludes with a discussion on the politics of buildout.

[Editor's note: The link below is to a 1MB PDF document.]

Thanks to Chris Steins

Thursday, January 6, 2005 in Metropolitan Institute At Virginia Tech

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

45 minutes ago - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit