Susan Shelley, a columnist and editor at the Southern California News Group, addresses the root causes of California’s soaring housing costs. She contends that policy decisions, particularly around development fees and urban boundaries, have significantly contributed to the issue.
Shelley explains that developers face substantial fees for each housing unit they build, costs which are inevitably passed on to consumers. This, she argues, is a primary factor driving up housing prices in the state.
Residents, particularly those who have invested in single-family homes in low-density areas, are pushing back against the government’s densification efforts, leading to a stalemate where little housing is built.
Proposing solutions, Shelley advocates for dropping the urban boundary and allowing housing construction in new communities. She argues for building single-family homes in areas where it is feasible and desirable, suggesting that this approach can facilitate homeownership and generational wealth.
In her conclusion, Shelley urges a reevaluation of California’s housing policies, particularly criticizing the emphasis on climate concerns over practical housing needs. She advocates for a balanced approach that fosters both economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Shelley’s insights reveal the complex interplay of policies contributing to California’s housing affordability crisis. Her call for a policy shift highlights the need for pragmatic solutions that balance environmental concerns with the realities of housing demand and economic growth.
*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.
