Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

Scaling Affordability and Breaking the Stigma: Local Innovations in Public Housing (with Rachel Cohen)

Nov 26, 2024

In a fascinating discussion, Rachel Cohen, a policy correspondent for Vox Media, sheds light on innovative approaches to social housing in America. She highlights a successful public housing initiative in Montgomery County, Maryland, showcasing how it can rival private options without the typical stigma. The conversation dives into the benefits of mixed-income housing and the financial advantages of publicly owned housing as a sustainable solution to the housing crisis, ensuring affordability for low- and middle-income earners.

46:23

Episode guests

Rachel Cohen

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Investing in mixed-income social housing can provide an appealing and sustainable solution to the housing affordability crisis for the middle class.

The success of Montgomery County’s public housing model illustrates how innovative approaches can combat stigma and increase access for all income levels.

Deep dives

The Need for Middle-Out Economics

Rising inequality and political instability have been linked to flawed economic theories that prioritize top-down growth. A shift towards middle-out economics is proposed, emphasizing the importance of a thriving middle class for overall economic health. The argument presented highlights that Wall Street did not build the country; rather, it was the middle class that laid the foundation of economic prosperity. By focusing on enhancing the conditions for the middle class, it’s suggested that the benefits will cascade downwards, positively impacting the entire economy.

Intro

2min

Unpacking the Concept of Social Housing in America

4min

Innovative Public Housing Solutions

21min

Rethinking Housing Solutions

12min

Innovative Strategies for Affordable Public Housing

4min

Reimagining Public Housing: Affordability Through Ownership

3min

This week, Nick and Goldy discuss the concept of social housing with Vox Policy Correspondent Rachel Cohen. They explore how local government investments in mixed-income housing can keep cities affordable for the middle class. Drawing from her reporting, Cohen spotlights the innovative social housing experiment in Montgomery County, Maryland, which demonstrates how well-designed public housing can rival private market options without falling prey to stigma or inefficiency. They also explore the financial benefits of publicly owned housing and its potential to alleviate the widespread housing crisis by providing a sustainable, scalable solution that benefits low- and middle-income earners by delivering lasting affordability.

Rachel Cohen is a policy correspondent for Vox Media. She focuses on U.S. social policy, covering issues such as education, abortion, economic policy, and housing. Rachel has been covering social policy issues for more than a decade, with her reporting published in more than two dozen national outlets, including the New York Times, the Atlantic, Bloomberg, the Daily Beast, and the Washington Post.

Social Media:

@rmc031

@rachelmcohen.bsky.social