One can very convincingly make the argument that state and national governments are undemocratic and difficult for individuals or local groups to influence. But

One can very convincingly make the argument that state and national governments are undemocratic and difficult for individuals or local groups to influence. But on the scale of a county, small town, or city government, that's less the case. Individual voters who have repeatedly NIMBY voted against densification have absolutely caused their own home values to inflate.