New Urbanism is part of the solution to scattered development or sprawl. Through a variety of codes and guidelines, New Urbanism addresses the problems caused by sprawl including traffic congestion, declining investment in older neighborhoods, long commutes and loss of community.

How do New Urbanist principles provide solutions to sprawl?

- Communities are designed with a grid of streets and sidewalks so that there are multiple paths to a destination. Residential areas should connect well with surrounding neighborhoods and town centers. This reduces bottlenecks where traffic funnels onto one road.

- Communities are designed to protect and incorporate open space.

- Mixed use communities are designed to include different types of housing, offices and stores. Commercial spaces are at ground level where they can attract attention from passersby. Other floors can accomodate office or residential spaces. Such communities make errands and commutes shorter. - Neighborhoods include wide sidewalks for pedestrians, formal civic spaces, and central squares that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These public amenities encourage walking.

These buildings in Dupont Circle, DC combine housing, offices,& stores in a compact design.

- Communities are designed with a neighborhood center that is easy and safe to walk to from all homes in the neighborhood. Residents do not have to cross highways, freeways, and high speed traffic when biking or walking to the neighborhood or town centers.

- Homes are designed to make streets feel safe and inviting by having front doors, porches, and windows facing the street, rather than a garage door. Good street design can encourage walking and biking.

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