How an why is this happening?
Many sections of the US are now unaffordable for working class people. Why are housing costs exploding?
Every economic policy over the last 40 years has been designed to lower the wages, per capita GDP, of the so called middle class. It worked.
Because jobs are pouring into a few areas along the west coast and our ability to build housing isn’t keeping up. Bipartisan NIMBYism makes it impossible to build the kind of density these places need.
(1)over-priced silly houses with garages jutting out in front of them on lots as small as they can get away with or
(2) they have some fancy label for high-density or multiple story behemoths that will be financed generously by subsidies if they don't actually become "high income apartment buildings" or "assisted living facilities" or "resort-quality senior living".
(3)Getting approval to change zoning completely so neighbors would be stuck with high-traffic businesses or even "light manufacturing"
The result of these messes when they get away with them.....traffic, proportionately more expenses for town services and utilities, and an even worse living environment for the residents who are already there. It's a nightmare around here, the constant fight against these contractors. They only have to win once. We have to win every time. If they'd build 1200 sq ft (or so) modest houses on half acre lots, they'd make a profit. But not enough to suit their greed. Doesn't help that some local pols sure are behaving as if they'd benefit financially from trashing zoning laws.
grrrr.......