Answer :
Urban sprawl can be contributed to by several factors:
1. **Policy favoring development of low-density homes:** When policies favor the construction of low-density homes over more compact housing options, it can lead to urban sprawl. This encourages the expansion of housing into previously undeveloped areas, increasing the urban footprint.
2. **Funds directed towards expansion:** If public funds are primarily directed towards supporting urban expansion rather than investing in existing infrastructure or revitalizing urban cores, it can incentivize the spread of development into suburban areas, contributing to urban sprawl.
3. **Mortgage interest rates decline to historic lows:** Lower mortgage interest rates can make homeownership more affordable, leading to an increase in housing demand. This can drive the construction of new housing developments on the outskirts of cities, further fueling urban sprawl.
In contrast, an increase in taxes to fund road construction may not directly contribute to urban sprawl but could potentially improve existing infrastructure within urban areas, which might help in managing urban growth more effectively.