Smart Growth: Why We Discuss It More than We Do It

TLDR

Smart Growth is widely discussed and appealing, yet most places rarely implement it because it requires abandoning entrenched low‑density traditions that are unappealing to many Americans. The article examines where planners, officials, environmentalists, and developers should focus to transition Smart Growth from vision to practice.

Abstract

Abstract Abstract The Smart Growth vision has a strong intellectual and emotional appeal, compared to more sprawl. However, though some places follow Smart Growth policies, they are outnumbered by those where such policies are commonly discussed but rarely practiced effectively. Why is this the case? Successful implementation requires adopting policies that give up long-established traditions, including local home rule and low-density living patterns. These intermediate steps are unappealing to most Americans. This article analyzes where Smart Growth advocates among urban planners, government officials, environmentalists, and real estate developers should focus their attention if they hope to move from vision to reality.