Most of the problems related to urban and suburban development can be tied to the way that land is used, and how development occurs. Over the past 50 years, governments at all levels have favoured low-density, auto-dependent developments that are separated according to different types of land use. These developments use land inefficiently, and are often subsidized by existing taxpayers. Fees levied on developers, if they are charged at all, rarely cover the full cost of providing infrastructure and services. Likewise, the cost of maintaining services is often more expensive than the municipal taxes collected from the community. Local governments feel that they must keep growing in order to pay for the services and debt incurred for large infrastructure investments. In response to these problems and with a goal of creating more livable communities, "smart growth" strategies have been developing in communities across North America. Most of the problems related to urban and suburban development can be tied to the way that land is used, and how development occurs. Over the past 50 years, governments at all levels have favoured low-density, auto-dependent developments that are separated according to different types of land use. These developments use land inefficiently, and are often subsidized by existing taxpayers. Fees levied on developers, if they are charged at all, rarely cover the full cost of providing infrastructure and services. Likewise, the cost of maintaining services is often more expensive than the municipal taxes collected from the community. Local governments feel that they must keep growing in order to pay for the services and debt incurred for large infrastructure investments. In response to these problems and with a goal of creating more livable communities, "smart growth" strategies have been developing in communities across North America.

Further Reading:

Smart Growth Primer