One way to address sprawl is to make cities more attractive to families and businesses. Inner-city schools must be made more effective, we must continue to combat crime, Brownfields must be cleaned up and redeveloped, and taxes and regulations must provide an atmosphere where entrepreneurs can flourish.

"Many citizens appear increasingly concerned about sprawl, the declining health of downtown areas, and the loss of open space and natural areas. While many state and local governments are seeking to address these concerns, we would like to know what role, if any, you believe the federal government should play?"

Many citizens are increasingly concerned about sprawl, the declining health of downtown areas, and the loss of open space and natural areas. As a longtime advocate of environmental protection and smart growth, I share their concern. That is why I have launched my initiative to help restore livable communities -- places where young and old

To encourage more Local and Private Conservation, I will fully fund the $900 million Land and Water Conservation Fund and provide 50 percent for state and local conservation efforts; establish the Private Stewardship Grant Program to provide $10 million of the federal portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to individuals and groups engaged in local, private conservation; support excluding 50 percent of any gain realized from private, voluntary sales of land or interests in land for conservation purposes; and eliminate the death tax to make it easier for private land owners to pass their land, intact, from one generation to the next.

Infrastructure is also an important component addressing sprawl and the federal government must recognize that solving traffic congestion requires a comprehensive approach that provides maximum flexibility. That's why I believe states receiving federal gasoline tax dollars should have the necessary flexibility from federal strings to meet their diverse needs.

George W. Bush

In some communities, unplanned sprawl and poor development decisions have compromised the American tradition of development that enhances civic life and family well-being. As President, I will work to help communities meet this challenge -- not through a top-down federal role, but by giving communities more choices and more of the tools and resources they need to preserve green spaces, ease traffic congestion, promote regional cooperation, improve schools, and enhance economic competitiveness -- so communities can grow according to their own local values.