Urbanism for conservatives

Rules, rules, rules. The planning department is in direct conflict with traditional values.

I don’t know if the number of conservative urbanists is growing, or if they’re just bolder and more visible in our current wave of populism. Liberal populists and conservative populists have shared interests, even if they arrive at those interests from different starting points. Affordable housing has for decades been a liberal talking point, generally referring to providing for people in need who for any number of reasons aren’t providing for themselves or their family. Conservatives are becoming advocates for housing that is affordable, a language twist that is not trivial. Liberals and conservatives will argue about the differences between private charity and public welfare, but the interest—a modest place to live that doesn’t cost a fortune—is the same.

I’ve gotten into several social media spats over the years with people who think good urbanism is incompatible with conservatives. The “conservatives hate this” perspective tells me that the holder of that view doesn’t understand what urbanism is and/or what a conservative is. This issue has been coming up so often in the last 6 months, and I don’t see that changing since so many Americans have their identity wrapped up in the political team they cheer or play for.

The fact is, a stereotypical conservative, someone who’d describe themselves with phrases like “traditional family values,” suffers under status quo planning and benefits from good urbanism. But most conservatives don’t know the dots to connect if they aren’t town planners, transportation engineers, planning commissioners, or developers, any more than most liberals do. So here, for your use as you see fit, are conversational dots that can be connected to legalizing good urbanism to live happily ever after.

Trad Chad loves good urbanism and hates bad regulations.

Think of Trad Chad as the IRL version of the meme, a regular guy who thinks modern problems require traditional solutions. His American Dream includes a home to raise kids, live self-sufficiently, and pass down values of independence and hard work. But he’s been learning firsthand how land use restrictions and building codes are putting that dream out of reach for his family and friends.

These are reasons that the Trad Chads in your friends and family circle would become allies or leaders in the growing movement to reform local regulations and build better urbanism.

Can’t expand the nest.

Multigenerational living keeps aging parents close, both for care and connection. The family cheers the idea of a backyard cottage or granny flat, but housing has strict size and occupancy rules. Not to mention the neighboring counties that outright outlaw small homes.

Can’t sell eggs.

Chad’s family has embraced a bit of the homesteading spirit, keeping chickens for fresh eggs. It’s a practical way to teach kids responsibility and cut grocery bills. But while less than a dozen hens might be allowed, selling eggs to a neighbor is “commercial activity,” forbidden by residential zoning.

Can’t have a pool.

The kids are running around the yard with their friends on a muggy summer Saturday. The parents are watching from inside the air conditioned kitchen because there’s no relief from the heat. They saved up for a pool, but are drowning in policy and permitting rules.

Can’t run a business out of the house.

Running a small business out of the home fits the traditional ethos of self-reliance and providing for one’s own, but zoning laws prohibit commercial use in residential areas. No piano lessons, no hair salon, no accounting services, no portrait photography, no freedom.

Can’t work the property.

Self-sufficiency can include a big garden, a greenhouse, and a few goats. The shed is too big, the equipment is visible from the street, the milk is illegal to sell… For families who cherish a hands-on, back-to-basics lifestyle, modern property restrictions seem designed to keep them dependent on the system.

Can’t teach a group of kids.

After the trauma of school closures during and following the pandemic, a few families set up a homeschooling co-op to tailor an education for their kids. The families are now facing fines and legal battles over unpermitted gatherings, the definitions of “classroom” and “private school,” and whether a licensed teacher is required.

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For a bunch of reasons—far more than I listed—conservatives and liberals have a shared interest for regulatory reform. If that seems preposterous to you, try mingling outside your current bubble.