What Happens Next in 6 Minutes Rebuilding Los Angeles
14 snips
Jan 25, 2025 Ed Glaeser, a Harvard Professor of Economics and author of Triumph of the City, discusses the challenges in rebuilding Los Angeles, particularly the Pacific Palisades after devastating fires. He examines the complexities of zoning laws and the impact of insurance fraud on pricing. Glaeser advocates for innovative redesigns to increase urban density and improve resilience. The conversation highlights the need for effective fire safety regulations and community responsibility, while promoting a pragmatic, compassionate approach to urban recovery and development.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
LA's Resilience
- Los Angeles will rebuild after the fires due to its strong economic fundamentals and desirable location.
- The city's high housing demand and restricted supply mean the land's value is key.
Urban Resilience
- Studies on cities bombed in WWII and during the Civil War show that physical destruction doesn't permanently scar cities.
- Cities tend to recover to their pre-war trajectory within roughly 20 years.
Housing Loss in Context
- While 12,000 homes is a substantial loss, it represents a small percentage of the annual housing flow.
- The real value lies in the land and location, particularly in the Palisades.
