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The Affordable Housing Crisis: Causes and Cures
Few people deny that America has a severe shortage of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. While there is agreement that a problem exists, there is little agreement about a remedy. Government officials at every level, along with housing advocates, frequently put forth a variety of policy proposals in an attempt to address the…
Hope for California?
Since 2016, California has enacted numerous pieces of legislation that pave the way for the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are also known as granny flats and in-law units, and they serve as a secondary housing unit on a parcel of land. The purpose of these laws is to stimulate the production of…
The Means are not Justified by the Ends
No decent person wants to see others struggle to afford safe, decent housing. But this does not mean that we should embrace any policy—such as rent control—that keeps rents more affordable. The means are not justified by the ends. In evaluating any issue, we must consider the full context—all of the relevant information. If we…
Profits Before People
On January 1, in response to rapidly rising housing costs, it became illegal for most foreigners to purchase a home in Canada. Last year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s website proclaimed that “homes are for people, not investors.” According to Trudeau, investors are nothing more than greedy individuals who put profits before people. Not surprisingly, nothing…
Choice for Me but not for Thee
Housing advocates are promoting two bills introduced in the Texas Legislature that would give tenants more choices and reduce choices for landlords. The bills would prohibit landlords from using source of income as a consideration when renting a property. The purpose of the bills is to force landlords to accept housing vouchers. Advocates defend the…
When “Rights” are Wrong, Part 4
In previous posts we have seen how the “right” to choose asserted by housing advocates leads to the destruction of freedom of choice and how the “right” to stay is an assault on voluntary action. In this post we will examine the third “right” asserted by housing advocates: the right to equal treatment. We will…