Question 1

Why do many argue that urban sprawl is a problem that should be faced by local, regional, and state governments? Discuss the ideas and policy aspects of smart growth and how they address the issue of urban sprawl.

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

The simplest equation in infrastructure policy can be said that no infrastructure equals no development.

Accepted Answer

Infrastructure is fundamental for development as it provides essential services and facilities needed for economic growth, such as transportation, communication, water, and power supplies. Without infrastructure, there would be significant barriers to development.

Question 3

One idea put forth to deal with the poverty of rural areas is to expand local intergovernmental cooperation.

Accepted Answer

Expanding local intergovernmental cooperation can help pool resources, share services, and implement regional strategies that may effectively address the economic challenges and poverty in rural areas.

Question 4

Governments have tried to create incentives for developers to produce low-income housing units and, if that fails, to build them themselves.

Accepted Answer

Governments often implement policies and incentives to encourage the development of low-income housing by private developers. If these measures are not sufficient, governments may directly fund or build affordable housing projects themselves to address the housing needs of low-income populations.

Question 5

Discuss the waves of urbanization and suburban development since the 1920s and the effects these changes have exerted on local government. In particular, touch on the struggle by state and local governments to solve the problems of the fragmentation of governments in these metropolitan areas as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the solutions.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

When homes were abandoned and the number of homeless people rose, state governments responded with inaction.

Accepted Answer

State governments typically respond to increases in homelessness and abandoned homes by implementing various measures such as funding for affordable housing, emergency shelters, and support services to address the issue.

Question 7

State and local governments have had an ongoing love-hate relationship for years. Explain the legal, political, and financial inter-relationships between these two critical levels of government and how they can work better together.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

What are shadow governments? How do they work, where do the get their power, and are they effective? Do they pose any particular problems for state and local governments?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

A challenge to New Urbanism could be attempting it in a place plagued by social disorder and disinvestment.

Accepted Answer

New Urbanism aims to create walkable neighborhoods with a diverse range of housing and jobs. However, in areas suffering from social disorder and disinvestment, implementing such principles can be challenging due to lack of resources, community support, and the existing socio-economic conditions that may hinder development and revitalization efforts.

Question 10

17.2 percent of people living in rural areas have incomes above the national average.

Accepted Answer

The statement is too specific without a reference to a particular country, time frame, or source of data, making it impossible to verify as universally true or false. Economic conditions and income levels vary greatly across different rural areas globally.

Question 11

What is the future of rural America? Discuss the major reasons for the loss of population in rural areas and propose some solutions to those problems?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

By 2012, only about 19 percent of the population lived in rural America.

Accepted Answer

By 2012, the United States had seen a significant shift in its population distribution, with the majority living in urban areas, leaving only about 19 percent in rural regions. This reflects the long-term trend of urbanization, where people move from rural areas to cities in search of better employment, education, and healthcare opportunities.

Question 13

One way for states to help deal with rural problems is to promote statewide land-use planning.

Accepted Answer

Statewide land-use planning can help address rural problems by coordinating development, preserving agricultural lands, and ensuring sustainable use of resources, thus promoting balanced growth and protecting rural communities.

Question 14

New Urbanism emphasizes wide open places, 'McMansions,' and an increase in space between people.

Accepted Answer

New Urbanism focuses on creating walkable neighborhoods, a diverse range of housing and jobs, and community-oriented spaces, contrasting with the emphasis on large homes and separation characteristic of suburban sprawl.

Question 15

​People are leaving many rural areas, with the most relentless decline occurring in a broad swath stretching northward from west Texas through North Dakota.

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon, often referred to as rural depopulation, is happening in many parts of the United States, including the mentioned stretch from west Texas through North Dakota, as younger generations move to urban areas for better employment opportunities, leaving behind aging populations and declining local economies.

Quiz 12: State Local Relations