Libertarians At The Gates Of New Urbanism

A major issue of contention between many supporters and critics of New Urbanism and smart growth is the role of public policy in dictating urban form. Many planners and architects promote the creation of land use and development policies that embrace New Urbanist and smart growth principles. Yet, much has been said of late regarding the significant obstacle prescriptive land use regulations and development standards present to the creation of New Urbanist communities. The following debate, which took place recently on The Practice of New Urbanism listserv, explores the potential of using market-oriented approaches, rather than more public policy, to further the spread of New Urbanism, and reaches several conclusions about the relationship between Libertarian and New Urbanist ideals. Contributors include Andres Duany, David Brain, Larry Felton Johnson, Samuel R. Staley, Steven Bodzin, and Philip Bess.

Thanks to Chris Steins