Determining land use policy via the ballot box: The growth initiative blitz in California

Abstract

Californians are afforded the opportunity to participate in the planning process and to voice their opinions to their elected officials in a variety of ways. However, for various reasons citizens have taken the opportunity to develop local legislation designed to manage or control growth. Once passed by the electorate, this legislation becomes law and must be enforced by the municipality. The use of direct democracy and ballot box planning in California is increasing and is expected to increase in the future. This paper examines how and why Californians have turned to the ballot box to decide land use matters. Examples of recent ballot measures and implications of ballot box planning are provided.