What does "decentralization" in urban planning refer to?

Decentralization in urban planning refers to the process of relocating functions and populations from crowded urban centers to suburban or rural areas. This phenomenon can occur as cities expand and the cost of living rises, prompting residents and businesses to seek more space, lower costs, and improved quality of life in less densely populated areas.

This trend often arises in response to issues like congestion, pollution, and a desire for more residential space, fostering the growth of suburbs or even the development of exurbs—areas located beyond the suburbs. Decentralization can also occur through policies encouraging development outside of urban areas, such as zoning changes, tax incentives, or infrastructure investments in these regions.

While the other choices involve various urban dynamics, they do not align with the concept of decentralization. Consolidating functions in urban centers reflects centralization, while increasing population density signifies growth and expansion within existing urban frameworks rather than outward relocation. The transformation of rural areas into urban centers represents urbanization, which is the opposite of decentralization.