Professor Nelson's Books (4): Private Neighborhoods And the Transformation of Local Government

Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government

(Washington, D.C.: The Urban Institute Press, 2005)

a. Book Description

In recent years, private neighborhood associations ("community associations") have become an important part of local government. From 1980 to 2000, half the new housing in the United States was built in a development project governed by a neighborhood association. More than 50 million Americans now live in these associations. In Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government, Robert Nelson reviews the history of neighborhood associations, explains the reasons for their recent explosive growth, and speculates on their future role in American society. The book examines the political and economic consequences of this basic change in the manner of American governance at the local level. Unlike many previous studies, Nelson takes on the whole a positive view. Neighborhood associations are providing controls over the neighborhood environment desired by the residents, providing high quality common services, and helping to promote a stronger sense of neighborhood community. Yet, significant operating problems are being experienced in many associations. Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government proposes a set of new options for improving the future governance of neighborhood associations. This book provides the most comprehensive report to date on the rise of the neighborhood association as a significant new governing institution in American life.

b. Amazon Editorial Review

"...[E]ssential reading for those interested in land use policy and the future of neighborhoods." 

-- Lee Anne Fennell, associate professor of law, University of Illinois College of Law

"...[G]ives an excellent discussion of the economic reasons for private neighborhoods...." 

-- Gordon Tullock, professor of law and economics, George Mason University

"...[T]he finest and most exhaustive discussion yet on one of the most profound institutional innovations in recent years." 

-- Peter Gordon, professor of real estate economics and public policy, University of Southern California

"Bob Nelson is one of the nation's most insightful and provocative authors on local government today." 

-- William A. Fischel, professor of economics and Hale Professor in Arts and Sciences, Dartmouth College

"Robert Nelson has written two powerful books in one." 

-- Robert W. Poole, Jr., founder, Reason Foundation

c. Related Article

"Homeowners Associations in Historical Perspective," Public Administration Review. July/August 2011.