In Washington State, housing shortages were made permanent in the early 90s by passage of laws prohibiting development in previously undeveloped areas. That is progressivism and elitism, masquerading as concern for the environment.
We have expensive areas with limited housing here in the NYC metro area as well; it seems the solution is to simply pack in illegals in designated areas because the wealthy elites need somebody to cook their food, clean their houses, and care for their children.
I’ve read stories where teachers in Silicon Valley have horrendous commutes because they are forced to live so far from the schools in which they work; the tech millionaires aren’t breeding public servants, and apparently don’t want anything as lowly as a five-figure earner living anywhere near them.