Cato Daily Podcast
Where Are the Rooming Houses?
Sep 26, 2024
Deirdre McCloskey, an economist and historian, joins fellow economist Art Carden to unravel the bizarre legacy of outdated laws originally aimed at brothels that now stifle boarding houses. They tackle how these restrictions contribute to socioeconomic segregation and limit affordable housing for students and immigrants. The duo also explores the shocking potential GDP boost from flexible migration policies, the historical roots of the current housing crisis, and the push and pull of community desires against the need for diverse housing solutions.
15:54
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Quick takeaways
- Outdated laws originally aimed at preventing prostitution are now inadvertently restricting affordable housing options for students and unrelated individuals.
- The NIMBY mentality among wealthier communities is contributing to housing shortages by opposing multifamily developments, severely impacting lower-income populations' mobility.
Deep dives
The Impact of Outdated Housing Laws
Outdated laws that were initially designed to prevent the establishment of brothels are now hindering the availability of affordable housing for unrelated individuals, particularly in college towns. These laws restrict the number of unrelated people who can live together, thereby limiting options for students and others seeking shared housing arrangements. The unintended consequences of such regulations extend to broader housing shortages, as they deter the development of rooming houses that once provided crucial affordable accommodations. This situation illustrates the need for a thorough reevaluation and potential repeal of antiquated statutes that do not align with contemporary housing needs.
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