Evaluating Criticism of Smart Growth

This paper evaluates various criticisms of Smart Growth. It defines the concept of Smart Growth, contrasts it with sprawl, and describes common Smart Growth strategies. It examines various criticisms of Smart Growth, including the claim that it does not reflect consumer preferences, infringes on freedom, increases traffic congestion and air pollution, reduces housing affordability, results in socially undesirable levels of density, increases public service costs, requires wasteful transit subsidies and is unjustified. Some specific critics’ papers are examined. This analysis indicates that many claims by critics reflect an incomplete understanding of Smart Growth, and inaccurate analysis. Critics identify some legitimate problems that must be addressed to optimize Smart Growth, but present no convincing evidence to diminish the overall justification of Smart Growth. Evaluating Criticism of Smart Growth