To Stretch Strained Municipal Budgets, Build Smart

Two weeks ago, we told you about a case study out of Nashville that demonstrated mixed-use infill projects deliver an exponentially greater return on investment than traditional suburban, or even New Urbanist-style, greenfield development. That study was just one of 17 to make up the most wide-ranging analysis of the fiscal benefits of smart growth development produced to date. The results of that analysis can be viewed in Smart Growth America's new report, "Building Better Budgets".  

Not only is smart growth cheaper to build and service, "smart growth provides a better return for cities and taxpayers," explains Angie Schmitt. "SGA’s analysis showed that walkable development generates about 10 times more tax revenue per acre than traditional suburban development."