MetroFuture focuses more growth near existing (or new) town and village centers, at a scale appropriate to the surroundings. Nearly two thirds of new suburban housing units will be near existing centers, either historic town and village centers or more recent commercial districts. New growth in those areas will be a mix of apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and senior housing. 30% of housing near town centers would be multifamily homes and townhouses; and 55% would be multifamily buildings of more than 6 units. The mix would vary across Community Types, with a higher proportion of multifamily homes in the Maturing Suburbs. Economic development is also focused; only 20% of new suburban job growth would be far outside of town centers or existing commercial/industrial areas.

The region would also see more large mixed use developments that fulfill the same role as existing centers. One quarter of new suburban housing units would be in mixed-use developments
(also 6% of suburban jobs).

If Current Trends continue, two thirds of new suburban development will occur far outside of town centers or existing commercial/industrial areas. New residents will be more dependent on their car and will be more likely to shop at strip malls and shopping centers that drain the life from traditional town centers.

Objectives:

• 67% of housing unit growth in Maturing Suburbs will be concentrated near town/village centers or commercial districts.
• 47% of housing unit growth in Developing Suburbs will be concentrated near town/village centers or commercial districts.
• 64% of new Suburban job growth would occur near existing employment centers.
• One quarter of Suburban housing units will be in mixed use developments and 6% of suburban jobs.