"Density" isn't a fad. (Suburban sprawl is a fad.)  "Density" began when humans came out of the trees. "Density" is one traditional response to people sharing scarce resources to live efficiently & well. Density varies to establish the character of neighborhoods, hamlets, villages, towns & cities. Today, "Density" means repairing sprawl, bringing people and their daily destinations closer together, so we can walk to what we do and need and visit friends and family, by foot, bike, bus or train - or by driving. "Density" provides more choices, in housing, transportation, social life and work. "Density" can improve our quality of life, but only if it's done just right.

Bringing grandparents, parents, kids & friends closer to their schools, shops, parks, jobs and each other means adjusting the character of some parts of our neighborhoods to repair sprawl. When people & destinations are within a five minute walk, people can choose to be healthy, social and more physically fit, as part of everyday life. It used to be that way.  

The "character" of our neighborhoods isn't just about house size, it's also about how welcoming we are to all the people in our daily lives. "Inclusiveness" and "diversity" start at home, in our neighborhoods. "Density" makes it easier to bring different incomes and lifestyles together because there is more choice, for more people, to find where they fit. Boulder can be more inclusive, more affordable, more beautiful and more fun, but we have to change a few things to get there.


"Density" means including this at neighborhood edges


"Density" saves open space from sprawl


Note that the European cities are in the sweet spot of the graph. Their impacts and density are at neither extreme. They have balanced their quality of life with efficient use of transport related fuels. European cities were designed before oil based transportation so when oil becomes scarce and expensive, they stand a better chance of surviving - because they are less dependent on cars and trucks. That makes most European cities more "sustainable."  This is something Boulder can consider when we imagine our future.