Privatized Communities and the "Secession of the Successful": Democracy and Fairness Beyond the Gate

In the twentieth century we became a nation of homeowners. Among this vast majority of American property owners is a significant and growing subset who live in common interest developments ("CIDs"). CIDs are likely to become a dominant form of private home ownership in the next century. They present a very real threat to the social contract in America because they inculcate secessionist attitudes, which will be very hard to counter.

As CIDs continue to proliferate, America will need effective public forums in which to mediate and negotiate solutions to problems that transcend borders, gates, and neighborhoods.