The publication was organized into an alternatives and consequences framework similar to the National Issues Forum materials. The publication was a university extension project of the national land use task force sponsored by the Farm Foundation of Chicago. Here is a summary of each approach. Reestablish the free market. In a free market, owners of private property rights determine the use of the land.
Government intervention is minimal.
Supporters of this option believe the free market and private enterprise represents the best way to manage land use, development and allocation of resources. Those who wish to alter or preserve land use must either own the land, be prepared to purchase it or, at a minimum, convince the current owners why it is in their interest to alter or maintain a preferred use. Supporters argue with some validity that the market provides an efficient and inexpensive development process for the ultimate consumers of new housing, businesses, or commercial centers. However, opponents argue that free markets directly create unplanned urban sprawl and concerns over incompatible uses on neighboring parcels are likely to increase under the free market alternative. While this option results in less government intervention in land use, unique environmental resources may be lost in the process.