Abstract:
This thesis analyzes the problems inherent in centralized land use planning. While planning officials can develop objectives for future land use in a given area, they lack the knowledge, and the capability to acquire the knowledge , to efficiently designate appropriate land uses that maximize scarce resources. Because they cannot attain the knowledge of the “right” plan, those in charge of development regulation turn to the political process to shape regulation. As a result, land use regulation systematically benefits vested interests at the expense of communities’ welfare. I propose that lifting land use restrictions and permitting self-governance within communities may offer potential for improved outcomes.
