Why The Smart Growth Movement Will Fail

Proponents have a lot of work to do if they want smart growth to move from the margin into the mainstream.

1 minute read

June 17, 2002, 7:00 AM PDT

As long as the sprawl industry can make money it is not likely to restructure itself. Ultimately, consumer demand will determine the degree of success for smart growth, not conferences nor books. The smart growth movement needs to focus more on markets, housing consumers, and the supply-demand equation, and less on noble big-picture benefits. When smart growth serves selfish interests it will succeed on a large scale. And it can do this. It is not about saving the environment or the planet. It must be about giving people some very tangible benefits, not the least of which is better personal health.

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Why The Smart Growth Movement Will Fail

Sunday, June 16, 2002 in Planetizen

Land Use United States

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!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.