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UBI Works Meeting — LVT Monopoly Presentation Planning

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UBI Works Meeting — LVT Monopoly Presentation Planning

Date: 2026-06-19
Participants: Ken Yang, Liam Wilkinson (UBI in transcript)
Source: Zoom meeting summary, gmail_id 19ee19790f6a5e52

Summary

Ken Yang and Liam Wilkinson planned a Monopoly-themed presentation to demonstrate how Land Value Tax (LVT) works as a complementary and necessary policy for housing advocates. The presentation is structured around a modified Monopoly game with three “laps” showing progressively how LVT changes incentives.

Presentation Structure: Three Laps

  1. Lap 1 — Real-World Monopoly (baseline): Standard Monopoly setup with modifications to show real-world dynamics: unequal starting positions, missing players (those unable to access housing), credit/mortgage access issues, NIMBY-style blocking of development. Key insight: land isn’t actually for sale in reality — only a small percentage of properties are marketable. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

  2. Lap 2 — LVT Implementation: Introduce LVT mechanics into the game. Properties split into two value components: location value (based on property color, land) and building value (based on houses/hotels, structure). Location rent returns to community fund; building rent kept by owner. Key mechanic: location value bonus = properties earn rent continuously (not just when someone lands), with most location rent returning to the community fund. Creates incentives to build rather than hold land underdeveloped. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

  3. Lap 3 — Community Institutions + Guest Speakers: “Legalized housing” rules moved here as opening for guest speakers. Guest speakers discuss specific housing policies. Approximately one hour total presentation time. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

Guest Speakers (Lap 3)

  • Brendan Hennigan — housing policy discussion [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Mike Bolsius (likely Mike Bolthous — Community Land Trust) — housing policy discussion [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Frank Peddle — speaking last due to seniority [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

Key Design Decisions

  • Liam proposed complex game mechanic: split property value between land and structure, LVT affects only land portion. Ken approved the distinction between land value and productivity value. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Ken advocated for simpler metaphor; Liam pushed for more policy-focused approach. Agreed to start with baseline “real-world Monopoly” concept before introducing modifications. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Presentation ~1 hour total; each lap 10-25 minutes. Liam presents main concept (10-15 min), then guest speakers. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Strong visual elements: PowerPoint slides, board visuals, property cards to show land/structure value separation. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Community fund mechanism: land owners pay into fund, all residents benefit — following Henry George’s principle regarding land value. [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

Georgist Concepts Embedded

  • Land value vs. structure value distinction (core Georgist principle)
  • Location value = community-created value (should return to community)
  • Building value = individual-created value (kept by owner)
  • LVT creates virtuous cycle: funds public infrastructure + housing affordability
  • Addressing only zoning/NIMBY issues is insufficient without changing fundamental incentive structure where location value benefits only property owners [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

Action Items

Ken

  • Share speaker notes/instructions with Brendan and Mike [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Collaborate with Liam on visual materials (board visuals, property cards) — Monday and potentially over the weekend, using AI tools [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Consider recording a digital version of the final presentation for future community calls [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

Liam

  • Revise and condense the Monopoly-themed presentation outline — focus on core LVT mechanics and key rules for each lap [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Produce detailed speaking notes for both presenters and guest speakers [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Draft and send clear instructions/notes to each guest speaker (Frank, Brendan, Mike) outlining role, suggested content, flow, handoffs, timing [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Send updated presentation outline and speaker instructions to all parties by end of day [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Prepare a practice run to test timing and flow [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Refine narrative flow and transitions between laps and presenters [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]
  • Refine text for rules 10 and 17 (describing first and second rounds) [Source: Zoom summary, 2026-06-19]

Notes

  • “Mike Bolsius” / “Mike Pulcius” in transcript likely refers to Mike Bolthous (Community Land Trust) — transcription variation. See mike-bolthous.
  • Presentation connects to Ottawa Housing & Community Land Trust Meetup (Jun 24, 2026) and broader UBI Works LVT advocacy strategy
  • The Monopoly metaphor is a teaching tool: makes LVT accessible to housing advocates who may not be familiar with Georgist economics

[Source: Zoom meeting summary, gmail_id 19ee19790f6a5e52, 2026-06-19]

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