The Impact of Urban Sprawl on Local Economies, Describe a social OR economic consequence related to the map above.

The Impact of Urban Sprawl on Local Economies

Urban sprawl is defined as the expansion of human populations outward from the original city center, often in the form of low-density residential development and an accompanying increase in automobile use (Frey & Speare, 2019). The map above provides a visual representation of this phenomenon, showing how Houston, Texas has become increasingly more sprawling over the last four decades. The spread of urban development into formerly rural areas has had a wide range of social and economic consequences for the affected communities. At the local level, the expansion of sprawling, low-density development has been associated with a decrease in the availability of affordable housing, as well as a rise in traffic congestion, air pollution, and other environmental hazards (Frey & Speare, 2019). These issues can have a significant economic impact on the surrounding areas, making it more difficult for low-income and working-class families to find housing they can afford. Additionally, the construction of new roads and highways to accommodate the increased population can be a costly expense for local governments, as well as a burden on local taxpayers. Furthermore, the proliferation of suburban development can have a negative impact on the local economy. As the population shifts away from the city center and into more… Cont…