Urban policies can often yield unintended consequences. Good intentions get checked as reality sets in.

Our guests this week will explain the often complicated and unexpected results of zoning and tax policy. Jonathan Levine, chair of the Urban and Regional Planning Program at the University of Michigan, claims that our low density, car-dependent cities are the product of our zoning regulations, rather than a market response to the way Americans want to live. Donna Morton, of Canada's Centre for Integral Economics, is examining tax policy to determine how it can encourage more of the behaviors we want and less of the behavior we don't want. Her goal is more sustainable communities.

Steve Goldsmith with the Innovations in American Government program at Harvard will introduce us to an award-winning solution to slums in Los Angeles.

That's all coming up on the next Smart City.