In this episode, I sit down with Chuck Marohn from Strong Towns and Nolan Gray from California YIMBY to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: the housing crisis in America.
It started with an exchange on X (Twitter) where I saw Nolan and Chuck disagreeing. Surprised, I asked them on the podcast to discuss areas of overlap and disagreement between the YIMBY movement and Strong Towns. They were kind enough to agree.
In this episode we discuss the complex web of factors driving housing unaffordability, from financialization and zoning laws to the ripple effects of inflation and outdated building codes.
We dive into the historical context of these challenges and debate the influence of investors, policymakers, and local governments in shaping the future of housing. Along the way, we uncover where the Strong Towns and YIMBY movements align—and where they diverge—especially on the role of financialization in housing supply.
TAKEAWAYS
Financialization of housing has created a feedback loop driving up prices, turning homes into investment assets rather than places to live.
Zoning and building codes play a critical role in either enabling or hindering the ability to increase housing supply.
There is significant overlap between Strong Towns and YIMBY movements, particularly in their shared focus on practical, community-oriented solutions to housing challenges.
Local governments can play a crucial role in financing housing development and supporting small builders to create a more diverse housing market.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer quick, scalable housing solutions that align with incremental development strategies.
Policy changes are essential to create a more flexible and affordable housing market that meets the needs of diverse communities.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Understanding Housing Affordability and Supply Chain Dynamics
02:46 Introduction to the Debate: Strong Towns vs. YIMBY
06:29 Exploring the Financialization of Housing
12:32 The Role of Financialization in Housing Crisis
19:11 Historical Context: Financialization and Housing Policy
24:07 The Impact of Institutional Investors on Housing
29:15 Navigating the Future of Housing Affordability
31:03 The Impact of Financialization on Housing Supply
34:46 Addressing the Affordability Crisis
39:57 The Role of Local Governments in Housing Development
43:42 Zoning, Financing, and the Housing Market
50:56 Inflation and Its Effects on Construction Costs
57:51 Balancing Incremental Development with Market Needs
01:02:36 Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis
01:11:01 The Role of Incremental Change in Housing
01:19:19 Financing Solutions for Accessory Dwelling Units
01:27:40 Debating Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Strategies
01:30:17 The Future of Housing Movements
CONTACT NOLAN & MENTIONED RESOURCES:
X: https://x.com/mnolangray?lang=en
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mnolangray/?hl=en
Website YIMBY:https://cayimby.org/author/nolangray/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnolangray
Book:https://islandpress.org/books/arbitrary-lines#desc
CONTACT CHUCK & MENTIONED RESOURCES:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesmarohn/?hl=en
Strong Towns Website:https://www.strongtowns.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmarohn
Books:https://www.strongtowns.org/book
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/marohn/
Strong Towns Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong_towns/?hl=en
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Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
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