Modern U.S. Cities - The Present and Future

   To start off this blog post, I would like to focus on the specific policy framework my ideal city would utilize in achieving sustainable growth and economic viability.  I am a very avid supporter of smart growth policies that would enhance the sustainability and efficiency of an urban center.  In addition, these policies would combat the inexorable, often-harmful force of urban sprawl.

Urban sprawl in Florida

Smart growth can be defined as a "policy framework that promotes an urban development pattern characterized by high population density, walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, preserved green spaces, available mass transit, and limited road construction" (1853).

Besides the positive implications for conservation of natural areas, smart growth has many potential health benefits, such as "diminished air pollution, fewer motor vehicle accidents, lower pedestrian mortality, and increased physical exercise" (1853).  In being confronted with the "considerable evidence that urban sprawl has adverse environmental impacts and contributes to a variety of health problems - including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease" - one must understand that smart growth is a viable policy framework that will sustainably provide a city the services and needs that a growing urban population demands.
Source: Dr. David B. Resnik: "Urban Sprawl, Smart Growth, and Deliberative Democracy" 

Addison Circle, Dallas, Texas - Example of Smart Growth

"Good" City - Seattle

Seattle's newest public light rail system in action

Seattle seems to be one of the most, if not the top, environmentally minded big cities in America.  It has very recently begun a light rail system within the city that will further be expanded in the coming years. This light rail system may also serve as an example to other cities around the country.  However, this is just one of many smart growth aspects that places Seattle into my "good" city distinction.

"Bad" City - Atlanta (pertaining to urban sprawl)

West Atlanta metropolitan area - Douglas County

In relation to urban sprawl, Atlanta has experienced an unimaginable growth of its surrounding metropolitan area.  Its sprawl has nearly connected the city with the sprawl of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  It is important to note that while around 500,000 Atlantans live in the city proper, there are almost 5.5 million people sprawled into the eight-county metropolitan area.