The Exurban Phenomenon in Arizona

1. The Exurban Phenomenon in Arizona

2. Learning Objectives Compare/contrast definitions of �Exurban� Understand how exurban trends are affecting the state and your community Be able to discuss both positive and negative impacts of exurban growth Think about ways you can become involved in managing exurban changes

3. What Does �Exurban�Mean, Anyway?? Large-scale permanent settlement by urban people in non-metropolitan areas beyond typical commuting distances A development type that blurs the distinction between suburban and rural A settlement type that is characterized by more land consumption per capita and a mix of populations and housing

4. What Does �Exurban�Mean, Anyway?? �A small, usually prosperous community situated beyond the suburbs of a city.� � dictionary.com "They begin as embryonic subdivisions of a few hundred homes at the far edge of beyond, surrounded by scrub. Then, they grow - first gradually, but soon with explosive force - attracting stores, creating jobs and struggling to keep pace with the need for more schools, more roads, more everything. And eventually, when no more land is available and home prices have skyrocketed, the whole cycle starts again, another 15 minutes down the turnpike.�  �wikipedia.com

5. What Does Exurban Development Look Like?

6. What Does Exurban Development Look Like? Doesn�t look the same in all communities Different land use patterns Changing economies Unique commuting patterns Different income streams Home prices Fiscal/tax implications New demands for goods and services Conflicts between �established� and new attitudes

7. Who Are These Exurbanites? They�re a very diverse group Not all exurbanite communities are alike! Age Income Housing Type We�re still learning about them

8. What Factors Are Driving Exurban Growth? Population Growth Demographic Changes Desire for a �Rural Lifestyle� Desire for land Housing market dynamics Arizona Statutes that deal with development

9. Unregulated Lot Splits State law regarding the splitting of parcels Large parcel, like a ranch, can be broken into numerous 36-acre or greater parcels so long as each lot is at least 36-acres or larger - commonly called �records of survey� or �40�s� Each 36-acre parcel can be split 5 more times by subsequent owners if they meet the minimum lot size for zoning Except for �records of survey� no one owner can split more than 5 times

10. The Result A 400-Acre parcel

11. Becomes 10 40-Acre Parcels

12. New Owner Splits Five Times

13. New Owner Splits Twice

14. End Result: 100 Lots

15. Lot Splitting: An Example

16. Lot Splitting: An Example

17. What Are the Negative Impacts of Exurban Growth?

19. What Are the Negative Impacts of Exurban Growth? Planning & Zoning Issues Unmaintained, impassable roads Septic tank failures Inadequate water supplies Flooding

20. Negative Impacts Environmental Impacts Habitat Fragmentation Air Quality Erosion Invasive Species/Predatory Pets Water Supply and Quality Change in Fire Regime

21. Negative Impacts Fiscal Impacts County services overburdened More rooftops doesn�t necessarily mean bigger fiscal surplus: some land use/housing types don�t always pay for themselves General taxpayer often subsidizes minority �Wildcat� development can create an infrastructure deficit that may have to be paid for later

22. What Are the Positive Impacts of Exurban Growth? Provides people with a lifestyle they crave Is a boon for Arizona real estate industry Economic and cultural diversity are increasing Some exurbanites are willing to become involved in community problem-solving New demands for goods and services

23. Positive Impacts Potential for increased tax revenues Potential for an increase in �basic� income Many exurbanites share similar open space values with traditional rural residents Exurbanization has the potential to represent an environmental transition zone between urban and rural areas

24. Data Available to Track Exurbanization Population Growth Population Density Migration (in and out) Location of Residence vs. Work Commute Times Residential Building Permits (% Increase) Dividends, Interest and Rent Income Transfer Payments

25. An Overview From 1982 to 1997, the total amount of developed land in the West grew by 2 million acres, or about half an acre per person, through conversion of agricultural land, forest and natural open space. Arizona more than doubled its population and tripled its employment between 1969 and 2003.

27. Exurban Growth in Arizona

28. So� What Can I Do? Become informed/knowledgeable about this phenomenon Always weigh advantages vs. disadvantages Get involved in community processes Help your community plan for inevitable change Help to keep land stewards in place

29. So� What Can I Do? Encourage governments to plan wisely Lobby government to make legislative changes Help integrate newcomers into the community Help bridge the gap between long-time residents and exurbanites Learn how to profit from exurban growth

30. How Can We Serve Exurbanites? Most are unfamiliar with rural life Educate them about the many aspects of rural living Help to integrate them into our existing communities Provide the products and services they desire

31. How Can We Help Integrate Them Into Our Communities? Education Help them to build their own networks, and become part of existing ones Ensure that they understand traditional rural people, lifestyles and economic activities

32. Conclusion Exurban growth will impact Arizona and its citizens for decades to come. By educating ourselves and becoming involved in our communities� planning efforts, we can help to improve the quality of life for current and future Arizona residents.