A Radical Democratic Experiment In Florida

Florida's "Hometown Democracy" initiative, now headed for the 2010 ballot, may be the most important measure on an American ballot next year.

The initiative would turn land use into a thoroughly democratic exercise. If the measure is approved, any Florida city or county that wants to adopt or amend its land use plan would have to put the change to a vote of the people. That's right -- any change in a land use plan would require a referendum. (Advocates say the initiative would exempt specific decisions on zoning, variances, or building permits).

This is not a new phenomenon--cities and counties all over the country have been adopting similar rules for the past 25 years. In general, such requirements act as an effective shield against major development. That's good for environmentalists who oppose development, and for political consultants who need campaign business. But it's at best a mixed blessing for local economies. Cities and counties with such restrictions typically have far less new development than those without them.

Florida's initiative has already sparked an all out war between development, community and environmental interests. Expect this election to be nationalized, as real estate and development interests from around the country come to see this initiative as a possible precedent that must be strangled in the crib.

A BIT MORE: Bill Cotterell, writing at the Tallahassee Democrat site, suggests that Florida, by expanding direct democracy in this way, could become more like -- shudder -- California.