American Dream Coalition
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The American Dream Coalition (ADC) is led by a steering committee made up of representatives of the full group of members and people elected by individual members. The steering committee elects an executive committee to oversee month-to-month operations.[1]
Mission[edit]
The ADC lays out its mission of defending the American dream of freedom, mobility, and affordable homeownership:
- Homeownership — The ADC claims that more than 80% of Americans say their ideal home is a single-family house with a yard. The ADC says homes are one of the best investments a young family can make and that mortgages on business owners' homes are the most important source of funds for new businesses in the nation.
- Mobility — Automobiles allow Americans access to better jobs. They allow for lower cost of consumer goods, fast response of emergency services, keeping in touch with friends and relatives, and many recreation opportunities.
- Freedom — The ADC cites the Heritage Foundation’s 2002 Index of Economic Freedom. This report said that "nations that protect property rights and other forms of economic freedom have per capita incomes at least six times greater than nations will little or no economic freedom." When more people in the countries have higher incomes, the environmental quality rises, as well.[2]
Smart growth[edit]
The ADC looks at the benefits of automobiles and sees a threat to this American dream. The threat they are trying to prevent from progressing comes in the form of a new planning doctrine known as smart growth, which legislates for dense urban development, restrictions on rural development, rail transit boondoggles, and barriers to auto driving. The ADC sees it as one of the greatest threats to American mobility, affordable housing and freedom today.
- Homeownership — Smart growth will have a negative impact on the housing market, the ADC says, because of urban-growth boundaries and regulation of home construction. The ADC says it will make housing unaffordable to most families. An example the organization provides is that housing in San Jose, Portland, and other cities with smart-growth legislation is less affordable than housing in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and other less-regulated cities.
- Mobility — The ADC reports that traffic congestion costs Americans more than $60 billion a year. Smart growth seeks to increase congestion so that people are discouraged from driving.
- Freedom — Smart growth requires what the ADC considers draconian restrictions on property owners and businesses and limits rural development, minimum-density zoning in urban areas, and applies strict rules for retailers and other businesses. These measures impede economic freedom, increasing costs to homebuyers and consumers.[2]
Membership[edit]
Citizens can join the ADC:
- Fees range from $25 for individual members to $250 for full group membership.
The ADC encourages pledge support. The Coalition received a challenge grant, making every $2 contributed for pledge support joined by $1 in additional funds.[2]
External links[edit]
Footnotes[edit]
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