What About The Non-Smart Growthers?

Neal Peirce responds to tough questions about smart growth and regionalism posed by prominent California economist Steven Levy.

1 minute read

January 8, 2003, 12:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

Is smart growth smart enough to deal with the complex realities, and competing demands, of metro area development and population expansion? Steven Levy asks: "Professionally, I work with regional planning councils doing long-term projections of job and housing trends. At this level, it is always the case in California that what is called "smart-growth" cannot possibly fill more than a fraction of overall regional housing needs. Moreover, there are profound ethical and equity issues which I never find adequately addressed by "smart-growth" advocates. One question is "what if I don't want to live in an urban infill, walkable community setting?" Does my family lose its right to new housing? Is my family "less important" than a family who wants to live in an urban setting?"

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: What About the Non-Smart Growthers?

Monday, January 6, 2003 in Citistates Group

Land Use California

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

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.