Abstract

Transportation is a function that affects nearly all life decisions, but is often not given much thought by the average individual throughout their daily routines. Most of this complacency streams from the mainstream development patterns in the United States that have changed little from the end of World War II. During the immediate post-war years a perfect mix for suburban living came together: the mass production of automobiles, guaranteed mortgages from the federal government through the G.I. Bill, and in 1956 the passage of the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. These factors, along with the dominate social paradigm that the "American Dream" was to have a personal front and back yard, helped profoundly transform development in the country. Over half a century later, the United States is now experiencing the consequences of this sprawled, auto-dependent development pattern. Energy prices have increased substantially over the past decade, which were only contained momentarily by a worldwide recession that was arguably caused by the same development patterns. Environmental consequences are becoming increasingly evident, ranging from contaminated storm-water runoff, to global climate change. Similarly, mental and physical health has degraded rapidly, with a soaring depression and obesity rates. The United States can, and should do better than this. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) offers a solution to help alleviate many of the complex issues that many communities must address. While there is no perfect template, TOD is an important step forward for the overall quality of life for individuals throughout the nation. This report will look at the steps that have been taken in the Portland Oregon Metropolitan Area to discourage sprawl development, measuring the effects of their actions on environmental, economic and health factors.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2013

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Hawkins, Christopher

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

Office of Undergraduate Studies

Degree Program

Interdisciplinary Studies

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Office of Undergraduate Studies;Office of Undergraduate Studies -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004431

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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