Here is another role for the state. Its preemptive statutory role in land use planning, environmental protection, and transportation, and in certain kinds of infrastructure planning and finance, gives it the authority to force warring local factions to the table. The land use, infrastructure, and transportation planning powers described above are often viewed as the boring minutiae of government, but they are critical to any state effort to build livable communities. There are those who view suburban sprawl and traffic gridlock as the inevitable consequence of our desire for a single-family house, a yard, and a picket fence. Challenging the tendency toward sprawl first requires removing incentives that encourage it and making urban communities more appealing for families with choices.
States have a key role in addressing the growing public concern for more livable communities.
For example, they can invest in infrastructure that helps rebuild cities and nearby older suburbs. It is time to repair the damage, a task that will be easier if the state is not forced to spend limited resources building new facilities to service sprawl communities. A task force appointed by Governor Gray Davis is working on a plan that is likely to focus future infrastructure in existing communities. Federal and state policies have long favored private autos over public transit. More people will use public transit if it is convenient and affordable, but mass transit systems have long been underfunded, discouraging people from getting out of their cars.