The Ralph and Goldy Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies

SCS Fact Sheet no. 4 contains findings from a survey of Southern California residents. In particular, the information can help us understand why it has been so difficult for the this region to promote more compact and mixed land-use patterns that would lessen the problems of traffic congestion, pollution, and higher land use. The current geographic configuration is not the most efficient, and over the next two decades, the region will have to accommodate millions of more residents. Despite the potential of Smart Growth to alleviate some of the problems, collective progress is hampered by narrow individual self-interest. One key result from the survey is that there is considerable opposition to developing multi-unit apartments and large retailing centers by those living close to such a proposed development. Moreover, resistance to such developments is concentrated within some economic and demographic groups.