Smart Growth: Good Intentions, Wishful Thinking

Smart Growth is unlikely to work if it does not come to terms with reality.

1 minute read

December 22, 2004, 8:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"...when it comes to the economic component of Smart Growth, though, things get a little fuzzy, relying more on wishful thinking than on a hard-nosed understanding of the dynamics of why businesses locate where they do.

How Smart Growth proposes to achieve that lofty goal of revitalizing America’s cities, it seems to me, is by stopping the growth in its outer suburbs. That’s not very likely to succeed...

If Smart Growth is to be something more than just an empty slogan, its proponents need to place improving the urban school districts at the top of their list of things to do."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Tuesday, December 21, 2004 in Expansion Management

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

July 2 - 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.

July 2 - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog