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The varied impact of direct democracy on local housing policies: unravelling the role of socioeconomic context

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  • Menglin (Miley) Liu

Abstract

Local opposition to high-density housing is a major contributor to the U.S. housing crisis, exacerbating challenges such as homelessness, food insecurity, and inequality. This study examines the role of direct democracy in shaping local land use policy across nearly 1,000 U.S. cities from 2006 to 2018. Using matching and difference-in-differences designs, it finds that cities adopting direct democracy are more likely to implement restrictive land use policies, favoring anti-growth interests. The effects are especially pronounced in lower-income cities, where the balance of power between homeowners and renters significantly shapes outcomes. In contrast, high-income cities exhibit consistently restrictive policies regardless of tenure dynamics. These results highlight how institutional design and local socioeconomic conditions jointly shape housing policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Menglin (Miley) Liu, 2026. "The varied impact of direct democracy on local housing policies: unravelling the role of socioeconomic context," Local Government Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(2), pages 313-345, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:flgsxx:v:52:y:2026:i:2:p:313-345
    DOI: 10.1080/03003930.2025.2517102
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