Could Smart Growth Tip the Next Presidential Election?

Strategists take note as Virginia's new governor tackles sprawl.

1 minute read

January 24, 2006, 6:00 AM PST

By David Gest


"Talk about stirring a state, and perhaps a nation, to rein in sprawl and ease congestion. Last Monday, the newly-elected centrist Democrat Timothy M. Kaine marched into the General Assembly and told lawmakers that his first priority as Virginia's governor is giving local leaders the authority to block new housing and business construction if roads cannot handle the increased traffic. What’s most important is not just what Mr. Kaine proposed, but where these Smart Growth ideas could take effect."

"Virginia lies right next to Washington. From one end of Pennsylvania Avenue to the other, politicians in search of fresh ideas about the economy, jobs, health, and community are listening to Mr. Kaine’s call to link land use and transportation decisions."

Thanks to Keith Schneider

Saturday, January 21, 2006 in Elm Street Writers Group

portrait of professional woman

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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Yellow and silver light rain train in downtown Long Beach, California.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?

In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

30 minutes ago - Secret Los Angeles

Man reaching for young girl sliding down playground slide.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure

New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?

1 hour ago - Happy Cities

View of downtown Dallas, Texas skyline with skyscrapers against twilight sky.

Dallas Code Reform Makes Way for Missing Middle Housing

The Dallas City Council voted to change the city’s building code to allow up to eight residential units in three-story buildings.

2 hours ago - Strong Towns