Which term describes urban areas where growth is slowed to promote compact development and reduce horizontal sprawl?

• A. Sprawl
• B. Slow-growth cities
• C. Megalopolis
• D. Smart growth policies

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is the intentional shaping of a city’s growth to occur within existing urban boundaries, producing denser, mixed‑use development and less outward sprawl. When growth is slowed to achieve compact development, the term used for the urban area is slow-growth cities. This concept contrasts with sprawl, which describes low‑density, outward expansion; megapolis, a vast interconnected urban region; and smart growth policies, which are the tools and strategies used to promote that compact, efficient pattern. In slow-growth cities, planners might use growth boundaries, higher-density zoning, redevelopment incentives, and transit-oriented development to curb horizontal spread and preserve surrounding open space.