President-elect Trump’s plan for “Freedom Cities” on federal land is generating interest as a bold solution to the housing crisis, sparking debate and collaboration across political lines.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
As President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to take office, one of his most ambitious proposals—chartering new “Freedom Cities” on federal land—is gaining traction among advocates and skeptics alike. Trump announced the initiative in 2023 as part of his “Agenda 47” platform, positioning the plan as a response to the nation’s housing crisis and a way to create new economic opportunities.
“We’ll actually build new cities in our country again,” Trump declared in a 2023 video, envisioning up to 10 Freedom Cities developed through a national design contest. The concept, which proposes repurposing a small fraction of the roughly 28% of U.S. land controlled by the federal government, has since inspired a diverse coalition of supporters.
Nick Allen, a cryptocurrency investor and member of the Frontier Foundation, expressed optimism about the initiative. “When there are new cities that are built in the U.S., new industries can form, and a new middle class can emerge,” Allen said in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Others who were initially skeptical have softened their stance. Nolan Gray, research director for California YIMBY, argued in a recent article that federal land offers unique potential for addressing housing shortages. “The federal government really does own a lot of land well-suited to housing—and is uniquely positioned to build it, given its insulation from local zoning and complaining local NIMBYs,” Gray wrote.
Historical precedents such as Hong Kong, the Arizona retirement community Sun City, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s redevelopment into an industrial hub have bolstered proponents’ arguments. Allen and Frontier Foundation colleague Mark Lutter described Freedom Cities as a potential remedy for the U.S.’s “sclerotic bureaucracy and stagnant society” in a City Journal article.
The concept also has legislative parallels. Senator Mike Lee’s HOUSES Act, reintroduced in 2023, seeks to allow state and local governments to purchase federal land to address housing needs. The proposal, endorsed by housing advocates, could serve as a framework for Freedom Cities.
Challenges remain, however. Critics warn that transferring public lands to private entities could spark opposition from environmentalists and ranchers. Others question whether Freedom Cities can deliver on promises of economic opportunity, particularly in an era of automation.
Still, the initiative has spurred rare bipartisan conversations about zoning reform and housing policy. During a recent Cato Institute event, Chris Edwards noted a growing consensus on the need for ambitious housing solutions. Similarly, the YIMBYtown conference in Austin, Texas, featured Republican Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Democrat Julián Castro, illustrating cross-ideological collaboration on housing issues.
With Trump’s Freedom Cities vision gaining momentum, its success could hinge on political feasibility and the ability to navigate competing priorities. As Allen remarked, “People do like to see big projects and new things getting built.” Whether Freedom Cities can bridge partisan divides and overcome logistical hurdles remains a question as Trump prepares to lead the nation once again.