"I'm just asking developers and supervisors to use their common sense," Mr. Quintana said.

Williams asked private developers to propose privately owned sites for the hotel.

In 1984, Mr. Koch asked developers how the city could stimulate production of affordable housing without government subsidies.

Instead, the authority asked developers to submit plans that included designs, proposed uses and bids.

Some community boards and local officials have asked developers to make commitments for improvements that are not directly related to their project.

Stephen Green has been a major fund-raiser for his brother, asking other developers, real estate agents and construction companies to contribute to the campaign.

GSA asked interested developers to offer undeveloped property as well as cash for the Hoover building.

In asking developers to take the lead, government officials risk quashing creativity at the outset.

To approve plans for house building on the west side, the city asked developers to include calming designs in the streets they would lay.

"They're leading a parade and asking developers to come with them, but what happens if nobody joins?"