Yes, but in practice zoning laws, however well-intentioned, have had the effect of suppressing affordable housing, public transit, and local businesses. Some of my favorite neighborhoods are the result of an area being re-zoned to allow mixed-use development. Over and over it's been a successful way to transform a blighted, abandoned area into a vibrant neighborhood. And no, that's not just gentrification.
I guess that demonstrates your point that the poor would benefit from being informed, active participants in local legislation. They aren't. Encouraging more local legislation isn't going to change who participates in the conversation.
Well it's not the "favorite" configuration of everyone, and many such people own homes in their communities and can't easily move. Why shouldn't they have a say?
I guess that demonstrates your point that the poor would benefit from being informed, active participants in local legislation. They aren't. Encouraging more local legislation isn't going to change who participates in the conversation.