Understanding Engineers’ Roles in Delivering Solutions to Curtail Urban Sprawl

Most Americans blame lack of centralized urban planning, weak political will, divisive politics, and way of life for urban sprawl in America. Urban sprawl worsens America’s addiction to oil. Americans drive at least five times farther to get to work than people elsewhere in the developed world. Even though the solutions, knowledge, and technology to curb urban sprawl and oil addiction are available, political hostility and unfavorable market conditions prevent them from being implemented effectively. Although engineers should be at the front lines, delivering these solutions, they are often not directly involved in the process. Because they are more reactive than proactive, they are impeding the future effectiveness of these solutions. This paper examines the political and market factors that drive urban sprawl and describes the role of engineers in delivering the solutions necessary to curtail urban sprawl.