The Alliance holds the position that any definition of "Smart Growth" and any policy deriving from it should address the public's consistent and overwhelming choice of housing -- namely a single-family suburban home with adequate space for families. Survey after survey -- not to mention the continuing popularity of the suburbs -- clearly shows a preference for traditional suburban housing over high-density alternatives.

The Alliance nonetheless believes that the renovation of our urban centers into more livability communities is a laudable goal worthy of public support.

However, such projects and programs, typically identified as adhering to "Smart Growth" principles, should not be construed as substitues for addressing the demand for single-family detached homes in suburban settings. California is in the grips of a housing crisis that inner-city, high-density development cannot meaningfully begin to address on its own. If we are to solve the housing shortage, which is driving new homes beyond the financial reach of more than two-thirds of all Californians, we must meet the market demand for new detached single-family homes outside of the urban core.

The Alliance also believes that any housing, land use or transportration policies promoted as "Smart Growth" should be critically evaluated for downside impacts before being adopted. Too often ill-conceived "Smart Growth" policies result in unintended negative consequences, such as promoting leap-frog developments that lengthen commutes and increase pollution.

July 23, 2001