The incredible shrinking city

Many cities are facing steady declines in population. In many cases, this leads to blight. However, innovative planners can use this situation as an opportunity for creating more desirable urban spaces. Comprehensive recategorization of land using ecological criteria is central to most urban “downsizing” efforts. This land use strategy takes into account the purposes that best suit the land rather than simply considering political influences, social preferences and market demand. Some cities are putting into place mechanisms that allow them to buy up vacant or abandoned properties. These properties can then be kept as part of a land bank. Land banks make it easier to assemble large tracts of property for redevelopment. Plots for urban agriculture and more green space are just two of the many ways that cities can shrink in a more sustainable way. Creating more walkable neighborhoods or improving the transportation infrastructure in accordance with the community’s potential for future growth should also be considered as part of the strategic planning for cities facing declining populations.