SACRAMENTO – Acclaimed journalist and policy analyst Steven Greenhut released today his latest book, The War on Suburbia, a compelling examination of how urban planning, government policies, and ideological battles threaten the future of suburban living.
Published by the Pacific Research Institute, this book offers a critical look at how policymakers, environmentalists, and urban planners are reshaping the housing landscape—often at the expense of those who choose suburban lifestyles.
“America’s housing policies should be about expanding choices, not limiting them,” says Greenhut, who is director of PRI’s Free Cities Center. “The push against suburbia isn’t just about land use—it’s about control, and the people being squeezed the most are working families, young professionals, and retirees looking for affordability and quality of life.”
Greenhut dissects the rhetoric surrounding suburban development and transportation, challenging the assumption that sprawl is inherently bad while questioning whether government-imposed urbanist policies truly serve the public’s best interests. He presents a balanced argument for a market-driven approach that empowers individuals to decide where and how they want to live.
“The debate should not be about forcing people into cities or suburbs,” Greenhut argues. “Instead of mandates and restrictions, we should be focused on removing barriers to housing and letting communities evolve based on real demand, not top-down planning.”
Through detailed analysis, policy critiques, and real-world examples, The War on Suburbia is a must-read for policymakers, urban planners, and anyone interested in the future of American housing. It is the seventh booklet in the Free Cities Center’s series on urban policy. Free Cities Center cultivates innovative ideas to improve urban life based around freedom and property rights – not government.
For review copies, interviews, or more information, please contact Matt Fleming at[email protected].
