‘Land-use socialism’ on the local ballot in Littleton – Complete Colorado

Analysis of Littleton Ballot Question 3A in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Littleton Ballot Question 3A proposes an amendment to the city’s home rule charter, seeking to preserve single-family residential land use. This report analyzes the measure’s implications through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning housing, inequality, and sustainable communities.

Land Use Policy and Sustainable Urban Development (SDG 11)

The core of the debate surrounding Question 3A relates directly to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Implications for Housing Affordability and Accessibility (SDG Target 11.1)

SDG Target 11.1 focuses on ensuring access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing. The proposed measure presents a conflict with this objective.

• Housing Diversification: Opponents of the measure argue that allowing property owners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, or fourplexes increases the diversity and supply of housing stock. This approach is a key strategy for enhancing housing affordability.
• Restrictions on Density: By preserving single-family zoning, Question 3A would restrict housing densification. This could limit the availability of more affordable housing options and hinder progress toward meeting the housing needs of a growing population.
• Market-Based Solutions: Proponents of land-use flexibility advocate for recognizing individual property rights to develop land, suggesting this allows the market to respond to housing demands more effectively.

Socio-Economic Impacts and Inequality (SDG 10 & SDG 1)

The debate over Question 3A also touches upon critical issues of social equity and economic inclusion, which are central to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Addressing Social and Economic Inclusion

Restrictive zoning policies can have significant consequences for social equity within a community.

• Exclusionary Zoning: Critics contend that the measure functions as a form of exclusionary zoning, limiting housing access for individuals and families with modest means. This practice can reinforce economic segregation and run counter to the goals of SDG 10.
• Arguments from Proponents: Supporters of the measure express a desire to maintain the existing character of their neighborhoods, citing concerns that increased density could lead to traffic, crime, and other pressures associated with urbanization.
• Economic Impact: An expanded housing supply can create a larger tax base, which could in turn fund improved public services that benefit the entire community, contributing to overall resilience and sustainability.

Economic Growth and Opportunity (SDG 8)

Land-use policies are intrinsically linked to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

1. Flexible zoning can stimulate the local economy by encouraging new construction, creating jobs in the process.
2. An adequate and diverse housing supply is essential for supporting a local workforce, allowing people to live near their places of employment.
3. Restricting development may limit these potential avenues for local economic growth and opportunity.

Governance and Community Planning (SDG 16)

The mechanism of the ballot measure itself is an exercise in local governance, relating to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Models of Community Governance

• Municipal Regulation vs. Voluntary Association: The debate highlights two different models for managing land use. Question 3A proposes a broad, government-enforced regulation. An alternative model involves voluntary, contractual agreements within specific communities, such as Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs).
• Inclusive Planning: Achieving sustainable urban development requires inclusive and participatory planning. The ballot measure represents a formal process for citizen input, but its outcome will determine whether the city’s planning framework prioritizes preservation or inclusive growth.

Conclusion: Aligning Local Policy with Global Goals

• The resolution of Littleton Question 3A will significantly impact the city’s alignment with global sustainability targets.
• A policy outcome that favors housing diversification and density would support progress toward SDG 11 and SDG 10 by increasing affordable housing options and promoting social inclusion.
• Conversely, a policy that prioritizes the preservation of single-family zoning may challenge the city’s ability to meet the goals of sustainable, inclusive, and equitable urban development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article directly addresses inequality by framing the debate on land-use restrictions as a form of social and economic exclusion. The author argues that opposing denser housing is a “cover for loathing of people of modest means” and that such policies represent “exclusionary elitism, a new form of segregation.” This connects the issue to the goal of reducing inequalities within a community.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The core topic of the article is urban planning, housing, and land use, which is central to SDG 11. The debate over allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and fourplexes versus preserving single-family zoning is a discussion about creating inclusive, safe, and sustainable human settlements. The article explores different visions for the future development of the city of Littleton, from preserving an “idyllic setting” to allowing for increased housing density.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article is fundamentally about governance, individual rights, and the rule of law. It contrasts individual property rights with the “political force” of collective will expressed through a ballot measure (“Littleton Question 3A”). The author’s emphasis on “Life, liberty, property,” the role of government, and the nature of consent in decision-making directly relates to the goal of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of … economic or other status.” The article argues that restrictive single-family zoning policies actively exclude “less-wealthy people” from living in certain neighborhoods, thereby hindering their social and economic inclusion.
  • Target 10.3: “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices…” The author characterizes “Littleton Question 3A” as a policy that would violate rights and perpetuate inequality. The debate is about whether to enact a policy that opponents see as discriminatory against those who cannot afford single-family homes.
• Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Target 11.1: “By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing…” The discussion about building ADUs, duplexes, and fourplexes is a direct response to the need for more diverse and potentially more affordable housing options. The article implies that allowing these housing types would increase access to housing for more people.
  • Target 11.3: “By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management…” The entire article is a commentary on human settlement planning in Littleton. The ballot measure represents a form of “participatory” management, while the debate between “Rooted in Littleton” and “Vibrant Littleton” highlights conflicting approaches to “inclusive and sustainable urbanization.”
• Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • Target 16.3: “Promote the rule of law … and ensure equal access to justice for all.” The author’s argument is grounded in the principle of property rights as a fundamental right under the rule of law. The article claims the proposed measure is a “flagrant violation of people’s property rights,” positioning the debate as one of justice and legal principle.
  • Target 16.7: “Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.” The “Littleton Question 3A” ballot measure is an example of participatory decision-making. However, the author questions whether this process is truly inclusive or representative, suggesting it allows some residents to “forcibly impose their will on other property owners.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
  • Implied Indicator: The legal status of exclusionary zoning policies. The passage or failure of “Littleton Question 3A,” which aims to “preserve single-family residential land use,” serves as a direct measure of whether such policies are being enacted or rejected.
  • Implied Indicator: Socio-economic composition of neighborhoods. The author’s concern that restrictions exclude “less-wealthy people” implies that a key indicator of progress would be an increase in the diversity of income levels within Littleton’s residential areas.
• For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
  • Mentioned Indicator: The mix of housing types. The article explicitly mentions allowing “a granny flat (accessory dwelling unit),” “a duplex or fourplex” as alternatives to single-family homes. The number and proportion of these housing types permitted and built would be a direct indicator of progress towards more diverse housing stock.
  • Mentioned Indicator: Population and housing density. A proponent of the measure is quoted fearing the policy change could “double or maybe triple the population of Littleton.” While the author calls this “laughable,” they concede it could lead to a “slight increase in housing density.” This makes population or housing units per acre a relevant, mentioned indicator.
• For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
  • Mentioned Indicator: Existence and content of laws affecting property rights. The article centers on the proposed addition of “Section 65.5. Preservation of Neighborhood Land Use Restrictions” to the city’s code. The text of this law and its legal status (proposed, enacted, defeated) is a clear indicator of the state of property rights regulations.
  • Implied Indicator: Level of public engagement and division on governance issues. The formation of two opposing citizen groups, “Rooted in Littleton” and “Vibrant Littleton,” indicates active public participation but also significant division on how the community should be governed, which can be seen as an indicator of the health of participatory processes.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: completecolorado.com