Smart Growth Policy Choice: A Resource Dependency and Local Governance Explanation

    Authors

    C. V. Hawkins

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Policy Stud. J.

    Keywords

    smart growth policy; resource dependency; interest groups; local; governance; intergovernmental planning; LAND-USE REGULATION; PROPERTY-TAX LIMITATION; OPEN-SPACE; INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONS; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; FISCAL BEHAVIOR; UNITED-STATES; URBAN-GROWTH; DETERMINANTS; GOVERNMENT; Political Science; Public Administration

    Abstract

    Smart growth is a planning and land use policy objective that generally focuses on where development should occur and how best to protect natural resources. What explains the adoption of smart growth policy by local government? This study focuses on a cooperative intergovernmental program that seeks to enhance local government abilities to work toward achieving state goals on sustainability. Extant research suggests that local interest group preferences shape policy decisions. However, much of the evidence on the influence of local interest groups on smart growth policy is presented within the coercive intergovernmental context. This article argues that resource dependency influences local decisions in pursuing a smart growth agenda when state incentives are provided. The findings suggest that fiscal capacity and the characteristics of local governing institutions are significant predictors in the decision to take part in an intergovernmental program. Business and neighborhood interest groups have a significant effect on policy adoption, as do local characteristics depending on the smart growth functional area.

    Journal Title

    Policy Studies Journal

    Volume

    39

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    679

    Last Page

    707

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000297748200006

    ISSN

    0190-292X

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