So I found this website posting last night (although it appears to be several years old) and thought I would share it with our friends. Essentially, the author argues that growth in cities is a ponzi scheme in that governments can only support the necessary infrastructure improvements with an increase in tax receipts but that eventually maintenance and replacement costs (and their corresponding long term liabilities) will greatly exceed those receipts to the point that additional new tax receipts will be necessary to support the existing infrastructure (ok, I know I'm not doing such a great job of explaining this concept very clearly).

Having come from a development background and having studied smart growth concepts in college and law school, I find the author's post insightful. Well, to be honest, I think it's completely honest which is refreshing. We in Greenville are fortunate to have forward-thinking leaders that have invested in smart infrastructure improvements (I'm a huge fan of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, for example). However, we also have one of the highest sprawl per capita ratios in the entire country so we need to be cognizant of potential future funding issues.

What can be done to help combat this impending crisis nationwide? Well, I'm not nearly as smart as the author so take a look at his additional posts on transportation issues and decide for yourself. And as always, keep thinking critically.