Promotional Information

Top scholars offer historical, legal, political, and socio-economic insights into the causes, effects, and solutions to urban sprawl in this even-handed account of the spreading suburbanization of America.

About the Author

David C. Soule is the associate director at the Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern Unversity where he condicts research on urban economic issues and tax policy and also teaches in the Political Science department. He is the principle advisor to the Regional Futures Institute of the National Association of Regional Councils, and a member of the Board of Directors and former officer of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship. Dr. Soule recently stepped down as executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) after more than 15 years of service. During his tenure, he oversaw the development of MetroPlan, a comprehensive paln for the future of the Boston metropolitan area. Prior to joining MAPC, he served as executive director of the Nashua Regional Planning Commission in Nashua, NH, for 7 years.

Reviews

Sprawl preoccupies US planners and citizens today, and this encyclopedia offers a clear, practical handbook of history, current issues, analytic models, and policy ideas within a general smart-growth perspective. The authors of the 22 chapters include academics, attorneys, practicing planners, and policy analysts from organizations such as Collaborative Economics and the Citistates Group; they are dominated by northeasterners, with some participation from others in western cities. The first eight essays provide contexts for the analysis of sprawl from history, law, planning, economics, politics, and social studies. Subsequent sections deal with sprawl as process, using Atlanta and the Twin Cities as case studies; models of measurement; and specific problems such as equity, environmental issues, costs, and relations to patterns of immigration and taxation. A final section looks at possible regional approaches to controlling sprawl, preserving natural resources, and promoting fair, smart growth. Useful appendixes offer Web and other resources, a glossary, and contacts with smart-growth groups….Recommended. All levels/libraries.
*Choice*

The intended purpose is to provide students, planners and decision makers with the basics for understanding and addressing the problems of urban sprawl. The emphasis is upon encouraging regional equity and smart growth. Extensive supplemental materials include a lengthy glossary and bibliography, plus directories of relevant web sites, database resources and smart-growth alliances. This vital guide will serve both academic and public library audiences.
*Lawrence Looks at Books*

Sprawl is a national event that is an issue not just of land use but a legal, political, and social concern as well, affecting schools, the environment, and human relations. Writing primarily for high school students and undergraduates, Soule and his contributors explore the dynamics and impacts of sprawl and how localities are dealing with it.
*Reference & Research Book News/Art Book News Annual*

[A]n in-depth overview of urban sprawl history, economics, dynamics, and issues….College-level collections with urban studies or urban planning courses need to have this.
*The Midwest Book Review - California Bookwatch*