"The authors raise the question of whether individual cities and suburbs can deal effectively with the forces of decline and sprawl or whether a regional agenda is essential. The objective of the essays is not abstract conjecture but individual and collective action. America will continue to grow, like it or not. The challenge is not to stop growth but to shape it in a way that contains sprawl and offers attractive living choices for families of all descriptions and of all income levels."

Terry S. Szold is principal of Community Planning Solutions, and has over 16 years of experience in land use, growth management, strategic and comprehensive planning. She served as planning director for the town of Burlington, Massachusetts, from 1988 to 1994, and held other senior planning positions in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Armando Carbonell is vice president of programs at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.