Planning On The Ballot

The Kelo decision spurs ballot measures to restrict eminent domain and "regulatory takings".

1 minute read

October 11, 2006, 2:00 PM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


More than a year after Suzette Kelo and several of her neighbors in New London, Conn., lost their battle against eminent domain in the United States Supreme Court, the reaction to the ruling has made property rights one of the most closely watched ballot measures nationwide.

Already, 30 state legislatures have enacted restrictions on eminent domain in response to the ruling. Now voters here [in Idaho] and in 11 other states will consider property rights measures in November, making it the election's most prevalent ballot issue.

Most of the measures would limit eminent domain to some degree, while others in Western states, would go further, imposing new restrictions on government's ability to enforce zoning laws, even if those laws are intended to reduce sprawl and improve safety....

"The thing is an abomination, the way it's written, the way it's being sold," said Nils Ribi, a City Council member in nearby Sun Valley who opposes the Idaho measure.

Supporters of the ballot measures in the West - often called "kelo plus" - say they want to stop so-called regulatory takings, the idea that government effectively takes private property when zoning laws limit how it can be used.

Thanks to Chris Robbins

Sunday, October 8, 2006 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Concrete building wth Department of Housing and Urban Development sign

Local Governments Sue HUD Over Funding Cuts

A new lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s revised guidelines for housing and homelessness assistance funds will decimate key programs.

1 hour ago - The Mercury News

Inside of self-driving truck on road.

California Is Retooling its AV Guidelines

The California DMV is proposing a new framework for light- and heavy-duty self-driving trucks that would enhance reporting requirements and pave the way for autonomous commercial fleets.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Row of two-story homes in Boulder, Colorado.

Proposed Boulder Ballot Measures Call for Impact Fees, Affordable Duplexes

Boulder residents are working to put two housing-related proposals on the November ballot.

3 hours ago - Boulder Reporting Lab

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO