Three Strategies For Preventing Sprawl

An editorial offers three key strategies to preventing sprawl by keeping growth in urban centers.

1 minute read

October 4, 2004, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"For a long-term strategy of a three-tiered landscape to succeed, it is vital that communities within urban growth areas continue to be places where people want to live, work and play. Three things are key to urban growth area viability and community livability," writes Joseph W. Tovarin an editorial for The Seattle Times. The three key strategies include:

  • Plan for appropriate urban densities
  • Design for density
  • Fund the public realm

    Thanks to Chris Steins

  • Sunday, October 3, 2004 in The Seattle Times

    portrait of professional woman

    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

    Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

    Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

    The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

    July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

    Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

    National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

    Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

    February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

    Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

    Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

    A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

    February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

    Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

    Test News Post 1

    This is a summary

    0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

    Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

    Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

    The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

    18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

    test alt text

    Test News Headline 46

    Test for the image on the front page.

    March 5 - Cleantech blog