Public Policy

Between 1982 and 1997, Pennsylvania’s population grew by 2.5% while its urbanized footprint grew by 47%. Sprawl causes the state’s cities, towns, and older suburbs to decline as the locus of the state’s growth shifts toward outlying newer communities. Sprawl burdens taxpayers because providing infrastructure is more expensive for sprawling communities and urban decay depresses property values, it undercuts the state’s economic competitiveness and it creates economic isolation for minorities and low-income residents.

Study outlining the potential revenue of a water use fee in Pennsylvania.

The report provides an perspective of land use issues in Pennsylvania, refuting the data and identifying “sprawl” as a social issue.