Public Perceptions of Compact Suburbia in Progressive, Burgeoning Communities

Abstract

Northwest Arkansas has a burgeoning population, and its suburbs need to become denser to accommodate in-migration sustainably. A sample of the region's public responded to housing development at 10 units per acre, as demonstrated by a physical model. Only around a quarter reacted favourably but, at the same time, the respondents were uniformly supportive of regional sustainability objectives that require greater suburban density. Recognition of the link between greater suburban density and regional sustainability tended to be associated with support for compaction, and acceptance of the spatial characteristics of denser suburbs was strongly associated with support for its implementation. Public support for denser suburbs in this region, and burgeoning areas elsewhere, could be improved if the link to regional sustainability is clarified and exemplars are used to demonstrate liveable, high quality precedents.