The words “hometown” and “democracy” each carry their own connotations. In the State of Florida, the phrase “Hometown Democracy” uniquely connotes direct citizen control over major land use and growth decisions, bypassing elected officials. Hometown Democracy first appeared in Florida as an initiative proposing a constitutional amendment, centering on the assumption that Florida’s growth-management controls were both illconceived and detrimental. Supporters of the constitutional amendment emphasized its ability to place the power to amend and approve the state-mandated local comprehensive plans with the voters. Challengers of the amendment remained apprehensive, even more so than with foregoing pregnant-pig or highspeed-rail amendments. When the constitutional amendment failed to receive enough signatures to be placed on the 2007 ballot, local initiatives ensued, placing similar measures in local charters.