Planning for Resilience: An Argument for Better Community Design

In a reflection of our increasing dependency on the automobile, communities the world over are sprawling farther and farther from neighborhood centers. Such development encroaches on working forests and farms, and harms watersheds. As a result, village centers are declining, and costs for roads, water, sewer infrastructure and other public services are on the rise. If there is one good reason to promote well-designed compact development it is this: we can’t afford sprawl – economically or ecologically.
The Costs of Sprawl
Sprawl is low-density development that expands outward from a population center. It is characterized by poorly planned, boundless growth on previously undeveloped land. Sprawl results in auto-dependent lifestyles, leaving residents with little choice other than to drive to work, school and services.
Since the late 1970s ecologists, economists and planners have been examining the costs of our development practices. The results are clear: sprawl costs more than compact forms of development and makes communities more vulnerable in times of economic downturn.
When people depend on driving, their neighborhoods have higher foreclosure rates than communities with options for commuting by foot, bike and public transit.  And money spent on gas means less money kept in the local economy (and in the pocketbook).
The further roads and water lines extend, the more expensive this infrastructure is to build and maintain, per household. Low-density development also increases costs for police, fire and emergency services, as their vehicles have to drive longer distances between households. The same is true for other services such as power, telephone, cable and internet.
According to Humboldt County Public Works, building one mile of new road costs $1 million, with an annual cost of at least $20,000 per mile to maintain. Sprawling development causes greater wear and tear on roadways, more pollution washing into local waterways, and increased carbon emissions. 
Sprawl also takes a significant toll on resource lands. In Humboldt County alone, an average of 3,000-4,000 acres of agricultural lands have been converted to residential uses each year since 1964.  Should this trend continue, another 74,000 acres of agricultural lands will be converted in the next 20 years, further decreasing the region’s capacity for food production, and diminishing returns from a major part of the county’s economy. 
This all represents a significant threat to Humboldt County’s rural quality of life, particularly in areas closer to population centers. Rather than bringing the city to the country, Healthy Humboldt recommends that we work to make our existing communities beautiful, affordable and healthy places to live. By directing development to locations with established public services, we can save money, spend less time driving and maintain open space for future generations. 
Towards Local Self Reliance
Focused growth protects forests and agricultural lands, thereby promoting local food security and sustainable timber production. Community forests and gardens adjacent to population centers can connect residents with the landscape while providing food, fiber and economic benefits throughout the region. In addition, these working lands help keep our air and water clean and provide wildlife habitat. 
Incorporating smart development strategies can also bring our urban areas closer to balance with the hydrological cycle. Through sustainable design we can allow rain to more easily sink into the landscape, irrigate vegetation and replenish our groundwater supply. By allowing stormwater to percolate into the ground, we can minimize flooding and reduce automobile-related pollution of our streams and rivers. With water-wise development we may one day see the county’s once-abundant salmon runs return. 
Personal health can also be improved through better planning. Research has shown that when safe, accessible routes for pedestrians and bicyclists are available, more people will walk and bike for exercise and transportation. Similarly, when we build residential areas in close proximity to schools, jobs and stores, people are more likely to choose alternatives to driving for their transportation.
Well-designed, compact development clearly consumes far less capital and fewer natural resources. With good planning it is possible to accommodate growth, build a stronger local economy and support a healthier environment for all. 
Right now, through the County’s General Plan update we have an opportunity to shift the focus away from sprawl and toward design strategies that preserve natural resources and promote vibrant neighborhood centers. If we design our human habitat with the same reverence we often show our forests and rivers, our communities can be places that are safe, healthy and enjoyable.

 Dan Ehresman is a Regenerative Design consultant and serves as a policy analyst for Healthy Humboldt Coalition.