American Agenda on Urban Growth & Physical Development

1. Promote Smart Growth

Smart growth is a planning strategy aimed at curbing urban sprawl while creating vibrant, livable
communities. It emphasizes mixed-use development—where housing, businesses, and public
spaces are integrated—so people can live, work, and play in the same area. This approach
encourages public transportation, reduces car dependency, and protects natural landscapes by
directing growth toward already developed areas. It also prioritizes walkability and bike-
friendliness, helping reduce emissions and improve public health. In essence, smart growth
fosters more sustainable, efficient, and human-centered urban environments.

2. Expand Affordable Housing

The shortage of affordable housing has become a national concern. Federal and local
governments are working to ensure that low- and middle-income families have access to safe,
affordable homes. This includes reforming zoning laws to allow for higher-density housing,
legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and supporting nonprofit and public housing
development. Programs also provide rental assistance and tax credits for developers building
affordable units. The broader goal is to prevent displacement, reduce homelessness, and promote
economic diversity in both urban and suburban neighborhoods.

3. Advance Equity & Inclusion

Urban development has historically excluded or displaced marginalized communities, leading to

racial and economic segregation. The modern agenda seeks to reverse this by embedding equity
into every stage of planning and development. This means investing in underserved areas with
improved infrastructure, schools, and public spaces, while involving residents in decision-
making. Tools like community land trusts, anti-displacement policies, and support for minority-
owned businesses ensure that growth benefits all citizens—not just developers or wealthy
newcomers.

4. Modernize Infrastructure

America's infrastructure—roads, bridges, water systems, public transit, and broadband—has long
been in decline. Reinvestment is now a national priority, especially with the passage of large-
scale federal funding initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These upgrades
not only improve safety and efficiency but also create jobs and make cities more resilient to
future challenges. Infrastructure modernization includes expanding access to clean drinking
water, building EV charging networks, and supporting sustainable public transportation systems
to reduce congestion and pollution.

5. Build Climate Resilience

Cities are on the front lines of climate change, facing threats like sea-level rise, extreme heat, and
flooding. Resilient urban planning incorporates strategies to absorb these shocks—like green
roofs, permeable pavement, urban forests, and elevated infrastructure. Planners are also
rethinking coastal zoning, updating building codes, and investing in renewable energy to reduce
emissions. The goal is to protect both people and property while transforming cities into models
of sustainability and adaptation.

6. Embrace Innovation

Technological advancements are reshaping how cities operate. From smart traffic systems and
predictive policing to digital zoning maps and real-time public service data, innovation helps
cities become more efficient and responsive. The agenda also supports green technologies—like
solar panels, smart grids, and energy-efficient construction—to reduce environmental impact.
Furthermore, cities are using innovation to improve accessibility, close the digital divide, and
attract talent and investment in the knowledge economy.
 Daniel Burnham

Planning of Manila

In the early 1900s, Daniel Burnham was invited by the U.S. colonial government to create a
master plan for Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Drawing from his experience with the City
Beautiful Movement, Burnham envisioned Manila as a grand, organized, and dignified city that
would symbolize progress and colonial authority. His plan emphasized a radial street
system with wide boulevards radiating from a central civic core, inspired by European cities like
Paris and Washington, D.C. This civic center was to be located near Luneta (now Rizal Park),
where major government buildings would be placed in formal arrangements.

A key feature of Burnham’s Manila plan was the development of a waterfront boulevard, which
would later become Roxas Boulevard. This seaside promenade was lined with trees and intended
to be a public gathering space, offering views of Manila Bay. Burnham also integrated parks,
plazas, and formal open spaces throughout the city to encourage leisure, civic pride, and social
interaction. His plan accounted for efficient transportation links, including rail and port
connections, to support the city’s economic and administrative functions.

While Burnham’s vision for Manila was ambitious and well-received, much of it was not fully
realized due to historical disruptions such as World War II, rapid population growth, and
inconsistent urban governance. Nevertheless, his influence is still apparent in certain parts of the
city, particularly in its early civic layout and surviving green spaces.

Planning of Baguio

In contrast to the lowland capital, Burnham was also tasked with designing a master plan
for Baguio, envisioned as the summer capital of the Philippines due to its cooler mountain
climate. Baguio offered a completely different setting—hilly, forested terrain in the Cordillera
region—which required a different planning approach. Here, Burnham drew inspiration from
the Garden City Movement, aiming to create a healthy, low-density city that harmonized with the
natural landscape.

The centerpiece of Burnham’s Baguio plan was Burnham Park, a large green space intended to
serve as the city's central hub. Roads were laid out in a fan-shaped pattern around the park,
ensuring views, airflow, and accessibility. Around the park, he placed key civic buildings, a
public market, and residential neighborhoods, all designed to respect the area’s topography and
preserve natural features. Burnham emphasized wide streets, generous open spaces, and green
buffers—principles that aimed to make Baguio a restful, scenic retreat for government officials
and tourists alike.

Unlike Manila, much of Burnham’s vision for Baguio was implemented, and the city’s layout
today still reflects his original design. Despite pressures from modern development, Burnham
Park remains central to city life, and the fan-like road system continues to shape Baguio’s urban
form. His work in Baguio is considered one of the earliest examples of environmentally
responsive urban planning in Southeast Asia.

The Suburbanization: Quezon City as the New Capital City

In response to the growing congestion and limitations of Manila in the early 20th century,
Filipino planners and leaders began to consider moving the capital to a more spacious, organized
location. This led to the planning and development of Quezon City, which was officially
declared the new capital of the Philippines in 1948, replacing Manila. The shift marked a key
moment in the country’s suburbanization—a process in which urban development spreads
outward from the dense city core into surrounding areas, often in search of more space, better
living conditions, and modern infrastructure.

Quezon City was envisioned by then-President Manuel L. Quezon as a symbol of a modern,

independent Philippines. With the help of American planner William E. Parsons and later
Filipino architect Juan Arellano, a master plan was developed to build a well-organized city, free
from the limitations of colonial-era Manila. The plan proposed wide boulevards, civic centers,
green spaces, and distinct zones for government, education, commerce, and housing. At its core
was the Diliman Quadrangle, where the new national government complex was supposed to be
located, including the Capitol Building and official residences. Though not all elements of the
plan were realized, the vision reflected a desire to break away from Manila’s cramped and
colonial legacy.

Suburbanization in Quezon City represented a broader trend of decentralizing urban

development. Its layout featured garden-style neighborhoods, low-density housing, and larger
land plots—offering a stark contrast to the overcrowded districts of old Manila. This shift
allowed for better sanitation, more public amenities, and a new model for urban living that
catered to the middle and upper classes. The move also stimulated infrastructure growth in the
surrounding areas, contributing to the expansion of Metro Manila as a whole.
However, Quezon City’s evolution was shaped by post-war reconstruction, rapid urban
migration, and political changes. While it served as the capital until 1976 (when Manila officially
regained the title), the full transfer of government institutions never fully materialized.
Nonetheless, Quezon City became a vital urban center, home to major universities, media
companies, residential subdivisions, and government agencies.