AP Human Geography Unit 6 Key Terms

Mixed-Use Development

A type of urban development that incorporates a combination of residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces within a single project or area, promoting walkability and reducing dependence on automobiles.

Transportation-Oriented Development

A type of urban planning that focuses on creating high-density residential and commercial areas close to public transit stations, encouraging the use of public transportation and reducing vehicle reliance.

Smart Growth Policies

Strategies aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, improving community health, and reducing urban sprawl by encouraging more efficient land use and public transit.

Mixed-Use Zoning

A zoning regulation that allows for a blend of residential, commercial, and industrial uses within a designated area, facilitating integrated development and promoting diverse community interactions.

Traditional Zoning

A land use regulation system that separates different types of land uses, such as residential, commercial, and industrial, into distinct zones to minimize conflicts and promote organized development.

New Urbanism

A planning movement that encourages walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use communities, and sustainable living by incorporating smart design principles that promote social interaction and environmental stewardship.

Slow Growth Cities

Cities that prioritize sustainable development and aim to limit population growth and urban sprawl, focusing on preserving local character and resources.

Urban Growth Boundary

A regional boundary that designates the area where urban development is allowed and aims to limit sprawl by controlling the expansion of residential and commercial areas.

Greenbelt

A designated area of open land around a city, maintained to limit urban sprawl and promote sustainable land use, often used for agriculture, parks, and recreation.

De-facto Segregation

The separation of groups in a society that occurs without legal or formal enforcement, often resulting from social, economic, or environmental factors.

Redlining

A discriminatory practice in which services (like banking and insurance) are denied to residents of certain areas, often based on racial or ethnic composition, leading to segregation and disinvestment.

Blockbusting

A practice used by real estate agents to promote fear among white homeowners of minority populations moving into their neighborhoods, leading to rapid home sales and changes in community demographics.

Inclusionary Zones

Areas designated to encourage affordable housing development, often requiring developers to set aside a portion of new construction for low-income residents.

Environmental Injustice

The unequal treatment of communities based on environmental policies, often affecting marginalized groups disproportionately, leading to negative health outcomes and lack of access to resources.

Urban Renewal

The process of revitalizing urban areas through redevelopment and improvement of infrastructure, often involving the displacement of existing residents and businesses.

Brownfields

abandoned or underutilized properties that may be contaminated, often requiring cleanup before redevelopment.