Name one city where urban sprawl has occurred - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 12B - 2020

Urban sprawl in Los Angeles can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Population Growth: The city has experienced significant population growth over the decades, leading to increased demand for housing.

2. Car Dependency: Los Angeles is known for its automobile culture, which has made it easier for people to live further away from the city center and commute.

3. Affordable Land: The availability of relatively affordable land on the outskirts has incentivized developers to build residential areas away from the urban core.

4. Zoning Laws: Lenient zoning regulations have allowed for a greater spread of low-density housing.

5. Economic Opportunities: The lure of job opportunities in suburban areas has drawn people away from denser urban locations.

6. Lifestyle Preferences: Many residents prefer the spaciousness and perceived quality of life that comes with suburban living, leading to further expansion.

One effective solution to urban sprawl is the implementation of smart growth policies. This approach emphasizes:

1. Mixed-Use Development: Promoting neighborhoods that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, reducing the need for extensive travel.

2. Public Transit Investment: Enhancing public transportation options to decrease reliance on cars, making it easier for people to navigate urban areas without contributing to sprawl.

3. Restricting Expansion: Enforcing limits on the geographical expansion of urban areas to preserve green spaces and encourage infill development, where new homes are built on vacant land within established urban areas.

These measures help to create more sustainable urban environments, reduce the negative impacts of sprawl, and promote livability.