Economic Woes May Cut Down Sprawl

The downturn in the economy could bring about major changes to the pattern of suburban sprawl development.

1 minute read

April 30, 2008, 10:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Higher gas prices and living expenses are cutting into the pros of living outside an urban area and commuting in to work. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports on how the economic downturn might affect urban sprawl."

"In compact cities like Portland, Ore., people spend about 10 percent of their discretionary incomes on transportation. In sprawling metropolises like L.A. and Atlanta, it's more like 35 percent and climbing thanks to rising gas prices. Policy Analyst Jan Mueller says that could make city living look a lot more affordable."

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