In this special New Years Day episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, Mike Moffatt, Cara Stern and Meredith Martin respond to viewer questions which have been collected throughout the year. They explore the importance of community engagement, the potential for standardized building regulations, and the impact of transit on housing prices. The conversation also touches on the difficulties of panelized construction, the concept of granny flats, and the broader economic implications of housing dynamics. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolving challenges of affordability in housing, the implications of land transfer taxes, and strategies for potential homebuyers in the current market. They also delve into the culture within the economics and journalism professions, highlighting the competitive and sometimes harsh interactions among economists. A special thanks to all who wrote to us with their questions and ideas throughout the year. The questions we addressed in this episode were edited for clarity and length. Happy New Year!Links:Real Ways Politicians Could Solve the Housing CrisisFour Pathways to Housing AffordabilityTegan and Sara: The Agony and Ecstasy of the Teen YearsHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this special holiday episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, hosts Cara Stern, Meredith Martin, and Mike Moffatt answer listener questions about the housing crisis, heritage protection, and community involvement. They discuss the balance between preserving historical homes and the urgent need for more housing, the current state of the housing market, and the implications of capital gains tax. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism and the need for more young people in politics to address the affordability crisis in Canada.A special thanks to all who wrote to us with their questions and ideas throughout the year. The questions we addressed in this episode were edited for clarity and length. Links:Alex Bozikovic: Heritage Rules and the Housing CrisisIs Raising the Capital Gains Tax a Good Idea?Canada Has a Soft Corruption Problem - Eric Lombardi of More Neighbours TorontoMore NeighboursHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Get ready for a deep dive into the housing crisis that Millennials and Gen Z face today! The discussion sheds light on the stark contrast in homeownership experiences between generations, as well as the widening gap between income and housing prices. Expect rants over outdated government policies and the emotional challenges surrounding family planning in expensive urban areas. The hosts equip you with debates to tackle during holiday dinners, and they blend humor with crucial facts to spark conversations about housing affordability and generational wealth.

The conversation explores the implications of the massive wealth transfer from baby boomers to millennials in Canada, discussing the potential for economic inequality, the concept of "invisible inheritances", and the changing dynamics of the middle class. It highlights the challenges faced by younger generations in accessing wealth and opportunities, and the resulting shifts in political views and social contracts.Links:Boomers’ Inheritance Plans Up in the ‘Heir’ The next wave of trickle-down wealth is upon us Younger Canadians Relying On "Great Wealth Transfer" To Achieve Financial Goals But Expectations May Not Match Reality: Vanguard StudyGuest Host: Sabrina Maddeaux Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Mike and Cara discuss the recent stimulus plans introduced by the Canadian and Ontario governments, which include rebate checks and a GST holiday. They explore the economic context behind these initiatives, the disconnect between economic indicators and the lived experiences of Canadians, particularly young people, and critique the effectiveness of these policies. The conversation highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address the underlying issues of inflation, housing, and the  intergenerational wealth transfer from the young to the old. Also, Cara gets really mad about the term “vibecession.”Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Ontario's housing crisis deepens as the province struggles to build homes despite rapid population growth. Analysts spotlight the lack of family-sized units and the effectiveness of local politicians tackling homelessness. They scrutinize how Ontario’s policies lag behind those in British Columbia and Quebec, highlighting bureaucratic inefficiencies. The discussion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to address both housing supply and political accountability. The urgency for change is palpable with an impending election on the horizon.

In this episode, Cara and Mike discuss the ongoing housing crisis and its political implications, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to enhance affordability. They unpack the four key pathways to housing affordability, including the integration of transportation costs, the impact of utility bills, and the challenges of homeowners insurance. The conversation highlights the importance of deregulation and innovative policies to create more affordable housing options while addressing the political landscape surrounding these issues.Links for further reading:Ontario Communities Falling Behind on HomebuildingBLUEPRINT FOR MORE AND BETTER HOUSINGAbacus DataExample of pyramid shaped condoHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

This conversation explores the potential of mass timber as a sustainable building material, its role in the housing construction sector, and the skills needed for young people to thrive in this emerging industry. The discussion highlights the growth of mass timber, the educational requirements for entering the field, the challenges faced in its adoption, and the broader opportunities in decarbonizing industries.Links:Canada's Green Skills TransitionGuest: Nicholas Renzetti Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

It doesn't matter how many times politicians say the economy is doing great. If someone can't afford a home, they're not going to believe you.Cara and Mike discuss the significant impact of the housing crisis on Donald Trump's election victory, exploring how inflation and economic concerns shifted political views. They analyze migration patterns affecting electoral college votes and suggest that building more homes could help retain political power in progressive cities.Links:America Hires a StrongmanThe Inflation Factor: It Wasn’t Just the Economy How inflation and economic concerns drove voter sentiment. Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Many cities in North America have been adding bike lanes in the past few years, especially as demand for outdoor activities spiked during the pandemic. Those lanes have been crucial at keeping cyclists safe, but seeing the road lose a lane has upset drivers, especially those who rely on their cars. Enter Doug Ford, in Ontario. The premier has introduced legislation that will require municipalities to obtain approval from the province for new bike lanes, as well as removing bike lanes that are already there – even ones that just finally finished construction. Mike and Cara discuss why this is such a popular idea, even though it won't solve Toronto's real congestion issues. They highlight the need for effective solutions to traffic congestion and the role of government in addressing these challenges, while also considering the future of bike lanes and the importance of public advocacy.Links: Bloor Street West Bike Lane Pilot Project EvaluationBloor Street West Complete Street ExtensionThe left is losing the battle for the bike — as it should | National Post Breaking the Bottlenecks : Congestion Solutions for Canada Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.