What are three issues cities faced during rapid urban growth?

• A. House shortages, need for public services, and public transportation
• B. Abundant housing, no crime, low taxes
• C. Quiet streets, ample schools, easy commutes
• D. Industrial downsizing

Answer: (A)

Rapid urban growth challenges a city’s ability to provide enough housing, public services, and transportation. When many people move into a city in a short period, there often aren’t enough homes to meet demand, which leads to housing shortages and higher costs for residents. At the same time, the surge of residents requires more schools, police and fire protection, health care, sanitation, and other services, which can strain budgets and infrastructure. Transportation becomes a key issue because moving people around the city requires more and better transit options and roads, and if investment doesn’t keep pace, traffic congestion and longer commutes result. These three areas—housing, public services, and transportation—are the core challenges cities face during rapid growth.

The other options describe outcomes that aren’t typical of rapid urban expansion: abundant housing and easy amenities suggest the opposite of growth pressures, and industrial downsizing isn’t a direct consequence of rapid city growth in the same way.