How Practical Is Smart Growth?

Richard Carson argues that smart growth only slows growth, while New Urbanism simply makes increased density more enjoyable.

1 minute read

August 24, 2000, 8:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Smart Growth, which has been much in the news lately, promises many answers to the problems that face planners today. But like the equally trendy New Urbanism, it is an intellectual solution, not necessarily a practical one—and not necessarily a new one. In reality, smart growth only slows growth, while New Urbanism simply makes increased density more enjoyable. Carson is the community development director of Clark County in Vancouver, Washington, and the former planning director of Metro, the Portland, Oregon, regional agency.

Thanks to Chris Steins

Wednesday, August 23, 2000 in Planning Magazine

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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 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 Planner

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