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.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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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.
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