The Post-Interventionist City

John W. Sommer
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John W. Sommer: University of Texas at Dallas

Cato Journal, 1982, vol. 2, issue 2, 501-541

Abstract: The contemporary American city serves as evidence of government failure and as a focal point for crisismongering. In this paper I argue why it is important for Americans to reject the city as crisis syn- drome and to move to a view of the city as an increasingly malleable landscape formed by the dynamics of market processes and doffed with opportunity. Such a city is most responsive to human aspirations when government is least intrusive. At no point do I argue that the market provides an immediate remedy to all human conditions I wish to see improved. No do I argue for the dissolution of govern- ment, though I do favor drastically diminished government interven- tion in the cities, both to improve the potential for economic perfor- mance and to secure greater personal liberty. A freely operating market cannot guarantee relief from all that ails humankind, nor can governments through the employment of coercive powers. In con- trast to government, however, the market will enlarge opportunities for voluntary exchange, stimulate private initiative, and promote the growth ofconsumer-oriented production. Moreover,individuals who are less burdened by government may be more responsive to ethi- cally based appeals for voluntary contribution to the redress of con- ditions each finds offensive...

Keywords: government; free markets; urban planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1982
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