Increased awareness of sprawl’s negative effects has not led to a drop-off in its construction. Developers say they only build what the market demands.
Even though we know sprawl is bad, developers are still building it in a frenzy of post-recession construction. Alana Semuels examines why large-scale suburbia is still the default residential mode.
There is a chicken-or-egg question at play here. Does buyer demand for sprawl truly drive its construction? According to this line of thinking, "studies may show that the younger generation wants small, compact, transit-accessible housing […]. But once they decide to have kids and dogs, they’ll want the traditional suburban home with more space."
Alternatively, fewer people might settle in walkable communities simply because the construction industry doesn’t provide them. The article provides examples from Las Vegas and Atlanta supporting both sides.
The public attitude toward sprawl in the 21st century "points to a growing divide about how different people think Americans want to live in the future." Regardless, there are still tangible problems associated with sprawl, including strain on taxpayers to cover the infrastructure bills for far-flung subdivisions.
FULL STORY: Why Are Developers Still Building Sprawl?
Banning Electric Scooters Results in More, Longer Car Trips, Study Says
Cities should expect to see increases in automobile trips, and resulting consequences, if they ban or limit the use of electric scooters or other micromobility devices, according to new research.
Why Nevada Needs Sustainable, Smart Growth
Sprawling cities like Las Vegas must rein in unchecked growth and promote infill development and more sustainable transportation modes.
On the Massive Carbon Savings of Gentle Density
A thought experiment compares the carbon impact of three new single family homes with the same block if it contained a duplex, a triplex, and a fourplex.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)