Revolution or Evolution?
6 Pages Posted: 25 Jul 2004
Abstract
In the preceding article, Robert H. Nelson suggests that states should replace municipalities with private community associations. In response to Nelson, I want to make both a positive and a normative argument. The positive point is that neighborhood associations have not displaced any municipality or induced any municipality to give up its regulatory powers. My normative point is that it would probably be a bad idea to displace municipal governance entirely with private governance.
Keywords: Community associations, property rights, private governance, neighborhood associations, zoning, municipal zoning, land use controls, home value
JEL Classification: R31, R52
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation