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...]

1. This week at Market Urbanism: 4 Things Austin’s City Council Could Do Today To Fight The Housing Shortage by Dan KeshetCentral Austin needs more housing. Prices have been rising, more and more people want to live where they have short commutes, but are only able to afford homes near the … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbanism: Joel Kotkin’s New Book Lays Out His Sprawling Vision For America by Michael LewynSo if I interpret his book correctly, it seems that there is nothing libertarian about Kotkin’s views: he wants strong local governments that keep new housing out of … [Read more...]

 1. This week at Market Urbanism: How Houston Regulates Land Use by Nolan GraySince there seems to be a lot of confusion about land-use regulation and planning in Houston, here’s a quick explainer on what Houston does regulate, doesn’t regulate, and how private covenants shape the … [Read more...]