The chapter discusses how local zoning laws contribute to suburban sprawl and high housing costs in metropolitan areas. It explains the different political dynamics in big cities, suburbs, and rural areas that lead to exclusionary zoning and income sorting. The chapter also looks at examples like Portland's growth boundaries and Houston's lack of comprehensive zoning. It argues that housing costs and land use regulations vary by region due to the demand for housing, with affluent areas having stricter regulations to protect home values. In regions like the Northeast and West Coast, homeowners have significant influence over local governments, leading to more restrictive zoning policies.