
Originally published on: September 01, 2024
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal for the creation of a city that would operate under a unique blend of democracy, capitalism, and decentralization.
Sharing his vision on Farcaster, Buterin’s idea centers around the concept of “for-profit cities,” a radical approach that challenges traditional notions of city governance. In this model, cities would be treated as enterprises, with citizens and landowners playing distinct roles in the decision-making process.
Buterin argues for a hybrid system where citizens are granted “governance” privileges through access to assets, while landowners face reduced stakes and increased taxes. This, he believes, would create better alignment of incentives for the overall success of the city.
Drawing inspiration from decentralized autonomous organizations, Buterin’s plan also incorporates elements of taxation and profit incentivization. By combining these principles, he aims to streamline the democratic process while upholding capitalist values.
With his innovative blueprint, Buterin is paving the way for a new era of city governance that prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and sustainability. Stay tuned to see how this visionary proposal unfolds.


