Gary Winslett Advocates for Unregulated Urban Growth, Prioritizing Expansion Over Aesthetic Planning

Gary Winslett, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Middlebury College and a Senior Advisor for the Chamber of Progress, recently sparked discussion with a series of statements advocating for rapid urban expansion and deregulation in city development. Winslett, known for his pro-housing stance and alignment with the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, asserted that "Growth is the most important thing" for cities, urging a shift away from stringent aesthetic regulations and "community input" from what he termed "busybodies."

In his social media post, Winslett articulated a three-point argument for urban development, stating, "> New cities are good. Don’t be picky about aesthetics. Growth is the most important thing." He further elaborated on his philosophy, adding, "> You can’t plan or regulate beauty. You want beauty? You have to empower entrepreneurs, builders, and artists to create things without “community input” from busybodies." This perspective underscores a belief that economic vitality and housing affordability should take precedence over prescriptive design controls.

Winslett's views resonate with broader discussions within urban planning circles, particularly among YIMBY advocates who argue that excessive regulation, including aesthetic and zoning laws, stifles housing supply and drives up costs. His arguments echo observations about regions like the American South, which have seen significant economic growth attributed to policies fostering affordable housing, lower taxes, and streamlined permitting processes. He has previously highlighted that southern states have built substantially more housing per capita compared to other regions, contributing to their economic competitiveness.

The debate over urban aesthetics versus growth is a long-standing one, often pitting proponents of managed, aesthetically pleasing development against those who prioritize market-driven expansion and deregulation. Winslett's stance suggests that true beauty in urban environments emerges organically from the creative freedom of builders and artists, rather than from top-down governmental planning or community-led design committees. This approach aims to foster an environment where rapid construction and innovation can thrive, potentially addressing housing shortages and stimulating local economies.