Policies to Support Local Economic Development and Opportunity

Good planning supports the virtuous cycle that includes residential and commercial infill, improved public services and security, a nicer urban environment, and greater economic opportunities. [...] Household Expenditures Local policies affect the number of vehicles that households own and the amount they drive, and therefore their transportation costs and expenditures. [...] Many negative factors of urban living, including crime risk and inferior public services, have declined in recent years, and new technologies, such as improved traveler information and carsharing, are further improving the safety and convenience of urban living. [...] In contrast, walking and bicycling are fueled by food and drink, and public transit and taxi services are labor intensive. [...] As a result, policies that reduce automobile ownership and use, and therefore vehicle and fuel expenditures tend to increase local jobs and business activity, which increases economic development and opportunity.