Growing wealthier: smart growth, climate change and prosperity
This report documents how efficient land use planning can improve household resilience to rising oil prices by enhancing travel choices; how allowing more people to live closer to job centers can boost employment rates and income levels for low-wage workers while reducing exposure to congestion for all; and how smart growth policies, when well applied, reduce government infrastructure costs, enhance public health and conserve natural resources. The report also provides recommendations for the federal government to “equip and empower” state and local experts to implement smart growth policies and realize their economic and livability benefits.