Exploring Land Use Without Zoning, Five Decades Later

Originally released in 1972, Land Use Without Zoning explores the negative impact of zoning policies and the benefits of unrestricted land use—as illustrated in cities like Houston. The Mercatus Center commissioned the republishing, updating this principal reading to support the surging national conversation on zoning law and public policy.

As an increasing number of American cities face critical housing shortages, the issues Bernard Siegan raised in 1972 continue to haunt our national dialogue. Attendees at this seminar will discuss the modern implications of supply-side housing restrictions, consider the many policies that handcuff developers, builders, city planners, and housing professionals, and strategize solutions on how to make these issues a problem of the past.

The program will consist of two discussion sessions with a 15 minute break in between. The first section will be a moderated panel discussion led by Emily Hamilton. The second section will be an open discussion on the book with a focus on the readings found in your confirmation email. A copy of the book will be sent prior to the event.