The Realignment 561 | Jeff Hauser vs. Paul Williams - Debating What the Abundance Agenda Gets Right and Wrong
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Jul 15, 2025 
Jeff Hauser, founder of the Revolving Door Project, and Paul Williams, leader of the Center for Public Enterprise, engage in a riveting debate about the abundance agenda. They dissect its potential benefits while identifying pitfalls, particularly its disconnection from public sentiment. The discussion spans the YIMBY movement's influence on housing policy and the complexities of federal permitting for energy development. They critique the balance between government and industry, advocating for mission-driven civil service and innovative reforms to enhance economic development.
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YIMBY Movement Origins
- The modern YIMBY movement began with renters in San Francisco fighting homeowners blocking apartment projects.
- SF BARF was founded as a renter-led group pushing for housing development against restrictive local opposition.
Zoning Favors Big Developers
- Strict zoning laws favor large developers who can shoulder costly and lengthy processes.
- This dynamic effectively excludes small and midsize developers, reducing competition.
RealPage Enables Rent Collusion
- RealPage facilitates landlord collusion by sharing rent data to coordinate price increases.
- This corporate power issue worsens housing affordability and has been under-addressed by top political figures.
