Growth Management Strategies: Population Policy Implementation by Local Governments

Abstract

Land use and growth are considered the most important environmental questions faced by local governments. Since environmental issues have elicited intense concern from interest groups and politicians government at all levels is highly receptive to the definition of growth issues. Federal legislation has made it encumbant upon local policy-makers to consider growth management strategies and state governments are beginning to assume more authority over land use decisions which have an impact beyond the local subdivision. Dissatisfactio with traditional regulatory techniques has led to the development of new growth strategies including 1) coordinated development of large areas in multiple ownership 2) providing more individualized regulation of development and 3) requiring a contribution of public amenities by the developer. Specific techniques implemented include development district zoning quotas on new residential units per year moratoria on all development and planned unit developments. The nature of these strategies reflects the way in which local governments perceive their problems. Difficulties in implementation of these methods include challenges in the courts the lack of inducement to attract desirable development and a lack of cooperation between adjacent subdivisions. Research must be done on the long-range effects of these new growth management strategies.