URBAN SPRAWL
A Closer Look At Durham's
WHAT IT IS & WHY WE SHOULD STOP IT
Why is Sprawl Bad?
Durham currently allows corporate developers to demolish hundreds of acres of existing farms, forests, and wildlife habitats every year. That land is replaced with sprawling developments that are disconnected from Durham's established transportation systems, utilities, and emergency services.
Environmental Impacts
People who live and/or work in these disconnected developments rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. This increased vehicle-use releases a massive amount of pollutants and planet-warming gases into our environment.
Financial Costs
While big real estate developers get rich off of these sprawling development projects, Durham taxpayers end up footing the bill for their subsidized utilities and expensive infrastructure demands.
Population Isolation
To accommodate Durham's rapid sprawl, resources and housing investments have been consistently shifted away from our lower economic class citizens and historically marginalized populations; isolating their communities and depriving them of essential goods, services, and affordable housing.
Urban Sprawl
/ərbən sprôl/ noun.
Definition:
-
The unrestricted growth of housing, commercial development, and roads over a large area - with little concern for sustainability or intelligent urban planning.
Did You Know?
Nate Baker is a professional Urban Planner who specializes in helping cities across the South manage their growth responsibly and sustainably! LEARN MORE
By the Numbers:
20,000
The number of miles driven per year by the average Durham household.
4%
Percent of Durham workers that walk, or use public transit to get to work.
74%
Increase in Durham's Greenhouse Gas emissions since 1990.
$12,000
Cost of transportation per year for the average Durham household.
Did You Know?
We do not accept ANY money from big real estate interests. We promote funding campaigns entirely with individuals like you. Join the movement today! CONTRIBUTE
A Greener Durham
"Transportation is the largest source of planet-warming greenhouse gases in the United States today and the bulk of those emissions come from driving in our cities and suburbs."
The battle for sustainability at the local level will be won or lost by how we manage our rapid growth and development; it is our greatest opportunity to protect our air and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect open space and wildlife habitat.
You Can Help!
VOTE AND ORGANIZE
Let's commit to empowering Durham communities - not big real estate developers. Help me bring that message into the Durham government.
SPREAD THE WORD!
Share this page with your friends and help make responsible urban growth a key issue in local elections.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
My Plan to End Sprawl
First - and most importantly - we CAN end urban sprawl in Durham. Throughout my career as an urban planner, I have helped implement many of the sprawl-reduction strategies listed below in cities similar to Durham in size and growth-rate. Durham's local government controls the regulations for real estate zoning, land-use, and green-building requirements. I am fighting so that our governing bodies will represent the interests of Durham Residents - not big real estate developers.
Concentrate New Growth
Instead of growing outward, we will focus new growth in areas of Durham that are already served by our existing infrastructure, utilities, and services.
Intelligent Transit & Walkability
An important part of ending urban sprawl is making existing communities better connected to essential goods, services, and civic spaces. This is accomplished by improving public transit, and investing in safe and convenient active transportation options for non-automotive travelers (like walking paths and bike lanes).
Green Building Requirements
To help combat the environmental impact of urban growth, new developments will be held to a higher standard of sustainable building practices. This includes requirements for the incorporation of clean energy, energy-efficient material use, and proportional investments in green space around new developments.
Thank you for your time and support!
Background Image Photo Credit: Discover Durham