Burning Exurbia

Burning Exurbia represents an inquiry-driven series, which directs its focus on the repercussions of suburban sprawl, with a particular emphasis on its manifestations within the Coachella Valley. As a native of the Coachella Valley, I have observed the dearth of housing density, a circumstance that has rendered many local residents entirely reliant on cars for their daily needs and lack of access to affordable housing. This car-dependent lifestyle, compounded by the proliferation of low-density housing sprawl, engenders a multitude of issues, including the protraction of commutes, restricted access to essential community amenities, lack of employment prospects, the occurrence of preventable yet fatal vehicular accidents, an elevated carbon footprint, elevation in temperatures, diminished housing affordability, and adverse effects on public health.