The rule of development has always been that cities get bigger, but what if your city is shrinking? 

How do you deal with vacant land? Open spaces are being used in cities around the world in a variety of ways, from bicycle lanes to urban gardens to new industries.

The role of urban planners is to direct the development of cities and towns. City planners are sometimes referred to as urban planners. Some urban planners advise nonprofits and community groups on how to grow and develop their cities.

However, most cities need to grow. The population of urban areas is declining. In 2010, the U.S. Bureau of the Census reported a slowdown in population growth in 14 of the 15 largest urban centers. Planning for growth has become less of a challenge for urban planners than what should be done with vacant city land left behind when businesses or people relocate.

In the late 19th century, urban planning began in the U.S. Cities were dirty and crowded at the time. There was the rapid spread of diseases such as cholera, yellow fever, typhoid, and influenza. The city planners of that time thought separating people from industrial pollution, and foul odors would make them healthier. To keep people, businesses, and industries apart, cities created laws called zoning ordinances.

Nowadays people are using cars if they want to go farther places for shopping or outing. In the 1920s high dependency on cars led to high traffic and air pollution. Walking daily errands became very stressful when going to a shop or a mall. In addition to improving housing and transportation, Trotter says parks and rivers must be clean and accessible to the public. “We are not preparing Gary for growth, but for stabilization. We want to strengthen the urban core and attract more businesses.