Land & Community

The South is renowned for its natural beauty, rural landscapes, strong communities, and a wealth of historic and cultural resources. These qualities are drawing more people than ever to the region, which is now the fastest growing in the country. Unfortunately, this rapid growth is threatening the very qualities that make the South a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

The problem is not that we are growing, but how we are growing. Misguided transportation and land-use policies are to blame for much of the South's high national rankings in sprawling development patterns, traffic congestion, driving distances, air pollution and land consumption rate. According to a comprehensive analysis in 2002 by Cornell and Rutgers, 4 of the nation's top 5 most sprawling regions are in the South.

It doesn't have to be like this. SELC is working with numerous partner groups across the region to stop highways and other infrastructure projects that would bring excessive development. We are also working to reform transportation and land-use policies to promote more livable communities, preserve farmland and open space, reduce the taxpayer burden of sprawl, provide more transportation choices, and protect the environment. As long as we grow wisely, the South can continue to enjoy a healthy economy and a strong quality of life.

• Promoting Sensible Growth and Better Transportation Choices
• Preventing the Worst Sprawl-Inducing Roads and Development Projects
• Roads, Sprawl, and South Carolina Wetlands
• Southern Sprawl and Smart Growth