Smart Growth America
Basics
The Bible Belt Should Really Be Called ‘The Carnage Corset’
Eight of the 10 most dangerous metro areas in the U.S. for pedestrians are in Florida, according to a new study by Smart Growth America. Of the remaining 12, eight are in the Deep South.
January 23, 2019
Report Offers Better Ways to Cut Traffic from New Development
What if instead of requiring developers to add parking or widen roads, we asked them to do things that discouraged driving and car ownership? That's what Smart Growth America recommends.
October 17, 2018
Here’s How 45 Firms Explained Why They’re Moving Downtown
Two or three decades ago, the standard criteria for choosing an office location was often, "Where does the boss live?” says land use strategist Christopher Leinberger. And the boss inevitably lived in a car-oriented suburb.
June 18, 2015
Calculating the Big Impact of Sprawl on Cities’ Bottom Line
When someone builds a new home, does it make the city stronger and more fiscally sound? Or does it drain public resources? The answer depends a lot on where it's sited and, more specifically, where it lies in relation to other homes and businesses.
April 8, 2015
Making the Case for Complete Streets
Redesigning streets to make room for people is a no brainer. "Complete streets" projects that calm traffic and provide safe space for walking and biking save money, reduce crashes and injuries, and improve economic outcomes. Need further convincing?
March 25, 2015
The Most Dangerous Places to Walk in America
Walking should be the healthiest, most natural activity in the world. It is, after all, one of the first things humans learn to do.
May 20, 2014
Smart Growth America: Sprawl Shaves Years Off Your Life
Want to live a long, healthy, prosperous life? Don’t live in sprawlsville.
April 2, 2014
State DOTs Let Roads Fall Apart While Splurging on Highway Expansion
Even though 33 percent of its roads are in "poor" condition, West Virginia spends about 73 percent of its road budget building new roads and adding lanes. Mississippi spends 97 percent of its road money on expansion. Texas, 82 percent.
March 12, 2014
A Post-Housing-Bust Prescription for Federal Real Estate Programs
The federal government subsidizes housing and real estate to the tune of about $450 billion a year. Roughly 50 uncoordinated programs influence the housing market, often in unintended and insidious ways.
July 25, 2013
Placemaking to Make Friends: The Case of Cleveland’s East 4th Street
Ari Maron had no friends.
June 6, 2013