This report examines the differences in benefits and costs between land use decisons that stimulate low-density sprawl development at the outer edges of urban centers and alternatives which would result in smarter growth. The report includes much statewide information, but focuses on northern Virginia and Tidewater, two regions of the state currently confronted with decisions about proposed water and highway projects that would drama-tically impact the future of their communities. The report shows that residential suburban sprawl development costs more for public services such as utilities, police, fire and schools than it pays in tax revenues. Counties and towns find they must raise taxes or go into debt to cover the costs of sprawl, and all citizens pay the bill. D.C. This unfettered growth tears at the fabric of our environment, threatens the quality of our community life, and forces substantial local tax increases.
Smart growth saves money while protecting the environment.
But to make smart land use decisions, we must know the full costs and benefits of new development and of alternatives such as revitalization. Just as environmental impact statements allow us to understand the environmental costs of projects, tax impact statements would help us understand the full costs and benefits of development options. These statements are needed to make better land use decisions, to protect the character of our communities, to control taxes, and to allow natural systems to remain productive. By 2020 northern Virginia and Tidewater could lose an area eight times the size of Washington D.C. to suburban sprawl.