, Columnist
America’s Battle Over Housing Is Just Getting Started
The surest way to bring down costs is to build more. Lots of people won’t like that.
On the offense.
Photographer: David Paul Morris/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Many people recently made fun of a photo posted on Twitter taken in a prosperous neighborhood in Washington. In front of a house were signs supporting various progressive causes, and one declaring that “No matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor.” Beside these was a sign opposing the construction of a new apartment building in the neighborhood. Apparently the residents’ enthusiasm for their neighbors did not extend to potential new ones.
This humorous juxtaposition illustrates just how hard it will be to solve the U.S. housing crisis. Across the country, rents have risen faster than incomes: