The Spatial Structure of Land Use from 1970–2000 in the Phoenix, Arizona, Metropolitan Area

Abstract

This article explores the dimensions of rapid urbanization in the Phoenix Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) over the past thirty years with respect to land use change. We devote primary attention to developing an understanding of what land transformations took place, the extent to which they occurred, and where they occurred. Our findings indicate that 32 percent of the Phoenix SMSA changed between 1970 and 2000. More than half of the overall change was from agriculture to some form of urban land use, and although a large percentage of the region remains open desert the parcels of desert are increasingly fragmented. This has significant implications for urban ecology and biodiversity. The growth indicates that rather than a pattern that reflects the agglomeration effects of a polycentric metropolis, the central business district of the City of Phoenix dominates the region. This has implications with respect to employment patterns, traffic congestion, and urban air quality and climate.

Key Words:

• land use/land cover change
• Phoenix
• urbanization

Notes

Note: MAG = Maricopa Association of Governments; CAP-LTER = Central Arizona Project—Long Term Ecological Research.

^aThe original MAG classification included a category “General residential” that referred to unclassified or unclassifiable residential lands. This is omitted from the present analysis as all residential land has been classified.

Note: MAG=Maricopa Association of Governments; CAP-LTER=Central Arizona Project—Long Term Ecological Research.

^aBold numbers indicate that the percentage difference for the class fell outside one standard deviation.

Note: CAP-LTER=Central Arizona Project—Long Term Ecological Research.

¹ In this article “Phoenix” represents the Phoenix-Mesa SMSA. We use “City of Phoenix” to represent the city of Phoenix proper.

² Actual values are 89.9 percent for 1970, 87.9 percent for 1980, 90.6 percent for 1990, and 88.2 percent for 2000.

The authors acknowledge the input of many colleagues without whom this article never would have been written. Keys especially appreciates the comments of the anonymous reviewers. Any errors and omissions are the responsibility of the authors. Funding for this research was provided by the National Science Foundation (#DEB-9714833), Central Arizona Project—Long Term Ecological Research. Gratitude also goes to Barbara Trapido-Lurie (Arizona State University) for producing the graphics.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eric Keys

An assistant professor

Elizabeth A. Wentz

An associate professor

Charles L. Redman

Professor of Anthropology and Director