Housing, Building Codes, and State-Level Reform

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.