Analysis of incremental tax revenues and public service costs of various development patterns in Madison, Wisconsin indicates significant economic savings from more compact land use. Modest increases in density can provide large fiscal benefits.
The city of Madison hired Smart Growth America to analyze potential development options in the city’s Pioneer District, a 1,400-acre, undeveloped area in the city. Their study evaluated five different scenarios for development: a "base" scenario that reflects the city’s current plan; a "Plus 50" scenario that assumes 50 percent higher density on certain parcels within the district; a "Compact" scenario that assumes the same development program as the base but on 500 fewer acres; a "Compact Plus 50" scenario that assumes the Plus 50 scenario on 500 fewer acres; and a "Low Density" scenario that assumes the same development as the base but on 1,000 more acres.
This study uses real world data to provide detailed information on how sprawl increases various government costs, including expenditures for the construction and maintenance of roadways as well as transportation to and from schools. The figure below shows that increasing density from under 5 to over 15 residents and employees per acre typically reduces road length (feet of road per resident and employee) by 50-80 percent.
Similarly, increasing density from under 50 to over 400 pupils per square mile typically reduces school transportation costs per student by 30-80 percent.
This research provides more evidence that smart growth is literally conservative: it conserves land and municipal costs.
FULL STORY: The Fiscal Implications: Madison, WI
Shining a Light on Smarter Development Policies in India
A new study uses night sky satellite images to measure urban development patterns in India. The results can help guide smarter growth.
Study: Sprawl Costs the U.S. Economy $1 Trillion Annually
A major new study estimates that sprawl costs the U.S. economy more than a trillion dollars annually, and results, in part, from planning and market distortions. Smart policy reforms can result in more efficient and equitable development.
Edmonton Considering Sprawl Control Measures
Under a proposed standard, developing neighborhoods in Edmonton would be required to fully build out infrastructure and community facilities, like retail and amenities, before the city approves additional development.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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