ABSTRACT
Martin Wachs presents an historical analysis of Los Angeles to show how critical decisions made 60 and 70 years ago about land-use and transportation systems have shaped the city’s current fabric. Well before the construction of its freeways, Los Angeles showed a preference for the low-density development that has become the sprawl of today. The article offers important insights into the relationship among land use, politics, cultural values, and transportation planning. It is also a lesson in how our decisions of today are shaping the landscape and development patterns for future generations.
