AN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE ON URBAN SPRAWL: With an Application to the American West and a Test of the Efficacy of Urban Growth Boundaries

Robert W. Wassmer

Professor
Public Policy and Administration
California State University, Sacramento

September 2002

ABSTRACT

This paper begins with a short background on what economics can offer to the debate over urban sprawl. This economic perspective is then compared to definitions of sprawl found in the previous planning literature and a possible consensus is reached on ways to quantify the degree of urban sprawl in a metropolitan area given the available data. Values for these measures are provided for metropolitan and urbanized areas throughout the western United States. Simple evidence on the presence of urban growth boundaries and the containment of urban sprawl is offered. Conclusions are drawn and a policy course for dealing with sprawl is suggested.

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