Final answer:
Smart growth strategies in the U.S., such as in-filling laws and New Urbanism, aim to prevent sprawl and create sustainable urban environments. Key to these initiatives is the emphasis on mixed-use developments and transit-oriented planning. Cities must balance agglomeration economies against possible downsides like congestion and pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Smart growth principles are essential in combating the inefficient, sprawling land development in the U.S., which often leapfrogs outwards from city centers. The strategies used to encourage smart growth include in-filling laws that prevent checkerboard development and prioritize the use of land adjacent to existing neighborhoods. These laws are designed to contain sprawl by ensuring that essential infrastructure such as roads and utility lines can be used more effectively, alleviating the financial burden typically imposed upon taxpayers.
New Urbanism is one approach that seeks to reinvigorate urban cores by creating densely packed urban spaces that provide a mix of business, residential, and leisure amenities. These developments often include transit-oriented developments, which are built around public transportation systems to encourage their use over personal vehicles, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Examples of New Urbanism can be seen in areas like the North Hollywood Arts District in Los Angeles.
However, there are limiting factors to city expansion. Agglomeration economies can turn into diseconomies beyond a certain point due to issues like traffic congestion, pollution, and overcrowded public facilities. There is a challenge in finding the right balance to maintain the economic advantages of cities while preventing these negative effects. As a result, the future of cities will depend on their ability to capitalize on the benefits while mitigating the downsides of dense urban populations.