Urban growth and the expansion of cities are areas of concern for policymakers as well as city residents.  America is constantly growing, and a majority of the growth is centered in urban environments.  Politicians are responsible for outlining a successful plan for this growth.  Services such as sewers, roads, water, and electric, must be adequately provided to the residents of a city.  Proper planning is an essential element preparing cities for expansion.

The politics of growth in American cities and towns can best be understood by thinking about the dollar and the economy.  Local businesses understand that with expansion comes new economic potential.   Businesses are land based, and place importance on the value of the land they own.  Construction firms rely on expansion and will promote growth within a developing area.

Many problems arise as a result of this growth, including increases in crime and pollution.  An increase in population leads to congestion and an increased strain on resources.  Growth may lead to the destruction of historic areas, necessary for the construction of strip malls or factories.  Some argue that the new tax money collected will be offset by the need to improve infrastructure and government services.

Politics, as well as geography, plays an important part in the expansion of cities.  Local ordinances, which may differ from town to town, will dictate some of the expansion process.  Construction codes and permit requirements may differ, and stricter regulations could slow a cities growth. 

State and national restrictions may also have an effect on expansion.  If a certain species of plant is present, then a national environmental code may make construction on a certain site impossible. 

With increased expansion comes the need for a city to grow by the annexation of other neighboring towns.  If a nearby town does not support the growth of this city and does not want to be annexed, a conflict of interests is present.