What can potentially deter a city's desire to annex land?

When considering the potential deterrents to a city's desire to annex land, the expansion of surrounding cities plays a significant role. If neighboring municipalities are growing, the competition for resources, services, and economic opportunities may discourage a city from pursuing annexation. This is particularly true if the surrounding cities are successfully attracting businesses and residents, which can result in a fragmentation of development and resources that may complicate or diminish the appeal of annexing land. A city may opt to enhance its existing areas and services rather than engage in potentially contentious annexation processes in the face of strong competition from neighboring city's expansions.

The other factors may influence city planning and development, but they do not have the same direct impact as the dynamics of neighboring municipalities growing into each other’s territories. For instance, strong environmental regulations can impose constraints but are often navigated through planning. Similarly, local population increases might lead to a demand for services rather than a deterrent for annexation, while the expiration of existing land agreements could present a temporary pause but not a long-term deterrent.