Meet the New 1995 Society Member: Nolan Gray!

Congratulations to our newest members of our 1995 Society! Meet one of our three award winners this year: Nolan Gray!

M. Nolan Gray is the research director for California YIMBY and a professional city planner. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in urban planning at UCLA. Nolan previously worked on the front lines of zoning as a planner in New York City. He also serves as an Affiliated Scholar with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he advises state and local policymakers on land-use policy.

Nolan is the author of “Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It,” published in 2022. He is also a contributor to Market Urbanism and a widely published author, with work appearing in outlets such as The Atlantic, Bloomberg CityLab, and The Guardian. He lives in Los Angeles, California, and is originally from Lexington, Kentucky.

What piece of work or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my book “Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It.”

What do you believe is one of the greatest challenge facing America today?

Zoning abolition is a necessary—if not sufficient—condition for building more affordable, vibrant, equitable, and sustainable cities in the US.

Speaking of cities, what’s the best city in the US?

Houston! The food scene is diverse and there are plenty of BBQ options.

Last question: What does winning this award mean to you?

I’m honored! AF is an important organization that develops young leaders and is so needed, especially when teaching them how to communicate the ideals of liberty.