Smart Growth Saves Money

In Michigan as elsewhere, fiscal distress accentuates the need for reforming wasteful development patterns.

1 minute read

April 15, 2003, 10:00 AM PDT

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


"...Bad times accentuate cost consciousness, and sprawl is incredibly costly, as numerous reports from around the states have made clear. In good times, of course, sprawl accelerates, prompting public outcry. One result: Farmland preservation came to the fore in the late 1990s as Michigan urbanized land an astounding eight times faster than it added population. But when the economy slows and tax collections sag, another rationale for reform comes to the fore: the huge costs to state and local government of providing new highways, new schools and new water pipes to ever-more-far-flung subdivisions."

Thanks to Kurt Sommer

Sunday, April 13, 2003 in The Brookings Institution

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