1. This week at Market Urbansim: Private Neighborhoods And The Transformation Of Local Government by Sandy IkedaIn Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government, Robert H. Nelson effectively frames the discussion of what minimal government might look like in terms of personal … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbansim: The Urban Origins of Liberty by Sandy IkedaOnly in the commercial society of the cities, which then as today attracted the ambitious, the talented, and the misfit, did liberty have a real meaning and substance. Only if you can “vote with your feet,” … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbansim: America’s Progressive Developers–The Uptown Gateway Council by Scott BeyerSan Diego, too, may be subject to this downzoning trend. Like California’s other destination cities, San Diego has both a fast-growing population, and restrictive land-use … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbansim: Preservation At The Expense Of Liberty by Sandy IkedaUsing political power to preserve any cherished way of life — trying to stay the uncertain dynamic that washes through social institutions, norms, and conventions — is not only futile but ultimately … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbansim: Collective Action Problems Are Similar For Land Use And Schools by Michael Lewyn...it occurred to me that there are some similarities between American school systems and American land use regulation. In both situations, localism creates gaps between … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbansim: ‘Who better to determine local needs than property owners and concerned citizens themselves?’ by Michael HamiltonInstead, land-use regulations can, and often are, used as cudgels against disfavored groups or individuals. Issues of personal taste—yard … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbansim: The Invisible City by Sandy IkedaIt is this: A city—especially a great one—cannot really be seen. Paradoxically, the closest we can come to actually seeing one is through the imagination. Otherwise, it’s invisible. Moreover, if you can fully comprehend … [Read more...]

1. This week at Market Urbansim: Markets As Cities by Sandy IkedaThere is a deep affinity between cities and markets, and indeed between cities and liberty. (As the old saying goes, “City air makes you free.”) Cities aren’t merely convenient locations for markets; a living city (which I’ll … [Read more...]