Urban Growth

The “Grow or Die” Myth – an Illusion of Prosperity

  • The vast majority of U.S. communities compete with one another for job recruitment and the in-migration which follows job growth. This is driven by belief in the “Grow or Die” myth.
  • Growth boosters (economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, developers and homebuilders) perpetuate the myth.
  • Evidence suggests these communities are caught in a vicious circle. The growth they court results in numerous externalized costs. The inevitable result is tax increases, service level declines, and infrastructure backlogs.
  • More effective, less destructive approaches to healthy local economies focus on cultivating success for local businesses, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.

For More Information

For Your Bookshelf