Many Americans would be shocked to learn that the American Dream may be the cause behind some of society's most troubling problems. The dream of owning a house, a car, and a yard with a white picket fence is the driving force responsible for the phenomenon known as urban sprawl. Urban sprawl, sometimes called suburban sprawl, is characterized by low-density development, geographic separation of essential places, and dependence on automobiles (mackinacs). Since the 1990s, an increasingly large number of organizations have come forward to advocate for policies that promote socially and environmentally intelligent growth, known as smart growth, in reaction to the many undesirable characteristics of urban sprawl (Ye 301 ). Smart growth policy encourages environmentally friendly, economically viable, community-oriented, and sustainable development (Ye 305). After examining the problems associated with urban sprawl, studying an overview of smart growth, and discussing the actors involved in promoting smart growth, it will be clear that smart growth is the best policy when it comes to building and maintaining America's cities. The consequences associated with urban sprawl are the endless array of health implications that have been linked to it. According to Public Health GrandRounds, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Gillings School of Global Public Health, “the way we design our communities discourages physical activity like walking and bicycling, contributes to “air pollution and promotes injuries and deaths among pedestrians” (PHGR). “One of the cardinal characteristics of sprawl is guidance, which reflects a well-established situation, close… to the center of the map… (Morris 23). “In contrast, if farmland and open space are maintained, there are only thirty cents in services for every tax dollar received, a gain of seventy cents” (Morris 23). According to this information, urban sprawl is costing taxpayers in newly developed areas more than ninety-five cents on the dollar. This is money that could be used to fund public programs or make general improvements in a community. Urban sprawl costs not only people's wallets, but puts a strain on their health, environment and relationships. After examining all the problems associated with urban sprawl, it is hard not to wonder how America lost the authentic communities of the past and adopted the new community of foreigners. . All this could change, however, if communities begin to implement the principles of smart growth policy.