Cato Daily Podcast
Housing, Building Codes, and State-Level Reform
Jan 10, 2025
Emily Hamilton, Director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center, dives into the pressing housing crisis in America. She argues for reduced government intervention in zoning and building codes, citing how these regulations inflate construction costs. Hamilton contrasts housing dynamics in Texas and California, discussing the challenge of increasing density amid local opposition. She emphasizes the importance of transparent land use regulations and advocates for legislative strategies that address high housing costs while balancing health, safety, and neighborhood character.
21:36
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Quick takeaways
- Reducing government intervention in zoning and building codes is essential to alleviate construction costs and increase housing affordability.
- State-level reforms, such as allowing accessory dwelling units and legalizing multifamily structures, can enhance housing availability amid local regulatory constraints.
Deep dives
Housing Affordability Crisis
The United States is experiencing a significant housing affordability crisis, with renters facing increasing financial strain since the 1960s. Many renters now spend a larger percentage of their income on housing, largely due to insufficient new housing development that fails to meet the needs of a growing and changing population. Local and state regulations are barriers to construction, hindering the ability to build diverse types of housing, particularly smaller apartment units in high-cost urban areas. This has resulted in individuals facing tough choices such as living in less desirable locations or sacrificing other budget areas to afford housing.
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