Charles Gardner is a research fellow at the Mercatus Center. His research focuses on planning law and housing affordability. He has testified before several state legislatures and frequently advises local government officials on zoning matters. He has also served as a local elected official and as an active participant in state policy making on the Connecticut Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights and on the Commission on Connecticut’s Development and Future. He received his JD from Vanderbilt University Law School.