In the 1990’s, so-called smart growth policies became popular as an attempt to reduce suburban sprawl.  But according to a recent article by Jane Shaw and Kenneth Orski of the policy group, PERC, smart growth now seem to be in retreat.  Comments Shaw: “In Maryland, statewide plans to increase population densities ran into determined grassroots opposition, and local officials often viewed the state’s efforts as too intrusive. In Loudoun County, Virginia — a battleground over smart growth — the state Supreme Court recently threw out zoning regulations that had blocked home building.  And even in Oregon, the tide seems to be turning against smart growth, as voters approved an initiative providing compensation to citizens if their property is devalued by land-use restrictions.”