[criddell]

I've heard that before and believe it to be true, but then it makes me wonder why cities are often so eager to annex suburban developments? If a suburb isn't paying it's fair share, why don't cities raise taxes or un-annex them? (is there a word for un-annex?)

[adrianN]

https://www.strongtowns.org/the-growth-ponzi-scheme/ Cities need to grow new developments to pay for the existing developments.

[criddell]

Presumably when the infrastructure needs to be replaced local governments will finance with bonds (which I think makes a lot of sense). If the bonds are paid for by suburban taxes, do you think the suburbs will get to be as expensive as the city or maybe even more expensive?

The Strong Towns ideology is attractive (especially for northern US cities), but I think if self driving cars come into existence, the ideas might not get very far in most places. Self driving cars are going to encourage sprawl like no other force ever has. I know I'd move further out if I had a self-driving car.