Nate Berg reports on information compiled in the 8th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, and asks to what extent the affordability of housing is tied to land use policies and how much is related to other factors.
While the rankings reported in the survey are interesting -- Detroit and Atlanta most affordable, San Jose and San Francisco/Oakland least affordable -- Berg takes issue with one of the key conclusions that the study's authors make.
Wendell Cox and Hugh Pavletich argue that "where land is rationed (by more restrictive land use regulation), house prices will rise." The authors specifically call out as as causal factors "new construction that is significantly controlled by comprehensive plans or through more restrictive land use regulations "referred to as ‘compact development,' ‘urban consolidation,' ‘growth management' and ‘smart growth.'"
Berg, however, contends that, "though there is certainly a case to be made that restrictive land use policies can limit supply and drive up costs, these aren't the only factors in play."
FULL STORY: The Most and Least Affordable Housing in America
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National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
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Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service