State Policies to Manage Growth and Protect Open Spaces

Book excerpt: Many states have been actively addressing the closely-related issues of sprawl and loss of open space in recent years by working to manage growth and protect remaining open spaces. The mix of issues and levels of activity vary widely from state to state. Federal polices and programs have impacts on these issues, both direct and indirect, and both positive and negative. Federal policies and programs with an impact include transportation, housing, the environment, and agriculture, among others, and others have important but less direct effects, such as the federal tax code. Some federal programs provide positive assistance to states that are trying to address these issues, while others may support incompatible activities. This book identifies and compares the recent state efforts and presents some of the reasons for a resurgent interest in addressing this suite of topics in many states. It also discusses the effectiveness of these efforts where evaluations or analyses could be found.