The Building Culture Podcast

#26 Daniel Herriges: The Strong Towns Approach to the Housing Crisis

Oct 10, 2024

01:28:24

In this episode I sit down with Daniel Herriges, the new Policy Director for Parking Reform, and co-author of The Housing Trap, a book he wrote alongside Strong Towns' Chuck Marohn. We delve into the complex issue of housing affordability, discussing how it goes far beyond the usual culprits of capitalism or zoning. Daniel provides great insights into the financial, legal, and cultural forces that have shaped our current housing crisis.

We discuss how housing has become a financial product intertwined with national economic stability, and explore how the suburban experiment, government mortgage programs, and zoning laws have locked many communities into unsustainable patterns of development. Daniel also shared a compelling vision for moving forward, advocating for more incremental and local solutions that empower individuals to take small steps towards improving their communities.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Housing Affordability is Complex: The housing crisis can't be blamed solely on capitalism or zoning—it's the result of a mix of financial, legal, and cultural factors that have developed over decades.

2. Housing as a Financial Product: Housing in the U.S. has evolved into a financial asset tied to the national economy, creating a system where prices must remain high to avoid financial collapse, even if that means homes are unaffordable.

3. The Suburban Experiment's Impact: Post-WWII suburban development, backed by government mortgage policies, has locked us into a system where housing is separated by strict zoning laws, limiting organic neighborhood growth and adaptability.

4. Zoning Laws as a Barrier: Outdated zoning regulations make it nearly impossible to build affordable housing in many desirable areas, restricting supply and pushing up prices.

5. The Need for Incremental Development: Instead of massive top-down solutions, Daniel advocates for smaller, local infill projects like backyard cottages or duplexes that can quickly and affordably add housing in existing neighborhoods.

6. Cultural Shift is Key: Beyond policy changes, there must be a cultural shift where communities accept neighborhood evolution and recognize the value in incremental, human-scale development over rigid, large-scale planning.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding the Housing Crisis

04:10 Historical Context of Housing Affordability

09:14 The Complexity of Housing Affordability

11:07 The Suburban Experiment and Its Impact

17:50 The Financialization of Housing

33:30 Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Housing

34:00 Cultural Shifts in Housing Perception

44:26 Planning for Permanence in Neighborhoods

45:55 The Impact of Zoning and Redlining

49:41 The Decline of Affordable Housing Strategies

51:34 Understanding the Role of Capitalism in Housing