Land use trends illustrate that the region continues to expand outward. The bulk of this growth was low density residential development on previously undeveloped land. From 2000 to 2005, while the region gained only 6,000 new residents, 25 square miles of vacant land was developed for residential use. Almost all of this development occurred in suburban and exurban communities outside of the urban core.
This residential development puts a strain on infrastructure and transit services. Suburban roads are required to carry more traffic than intended and eventually must be improved. Transit cannot serve these areas in a cost effective manner. Increased suburbanization puts pressure on communities to expand the transportation system that is already in dire need of preservation.
AMATS coordinates land use issues with local communities to ensure that communities are aware of the potential impacts of new development.
