Sprawl is subsidised

I argue that smart growth is actually a conservative notion, because it saves money. It saves money because cities and towns don't have to extend infrastructure so far. You're taking advantage of existing infrastructure with redevelopment, and you're also leveling the playing field. Those who believe in the free market shouldn't like government picking winners and losers, and that's exactly what government has done over the last half century in terms of favoring sprawl. What smart growth does is level the playing field - make it as easy to build in the city or in older suburbs as it is out in the countryside. Anthony Flint in an interview with Grist Magazine