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Housing in the Bay Area

blog.samaltman.com

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Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#11

Post by sama »

powera wrote: post #2

"The bill is currently being debated in California's Congress as part of the upcoming annual budget" - it's called the Legislature. I mean, yes, I knew what he meant, but it doesn't give me confidence that he understands how to influence the political system.

Sorry, fixed. Very busy day.

Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#12

Post by msane »

noahlt wrote: post #3
powera wrote: post #2

"The bill is currently being debated in California's Congress as part of the upcoming annual budget" - it's called the Legislature. I mean, yes, I knew what he meant, but it doesn't give me confidence that he understands how to influence the political system.

I think it was written to be accessible to a very broad audience.

It's specifically about California. This level of government is the "Legislature" in all states.

    "State Legislature":
      - "State Senate"
      - "State Assembly"

Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#13

Post by sytelus »

I highly doubt this bill would pass without severe modifications. The problem is that we have two groups in population: One who own houses and other who don't. First group don't want new houses and dilute value of their property. Politicans very well knows that making this group unhappy will end their careers. The second group is often in minority outside large cities. This is why its very hard to pass laws that would allow build new houses. It's great that SamA is taking interest in this. If enough valley billionaires can pay for lobbing then politicians can finally ignore their majority constituents and do the "right thing" :).

Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#14

Post by akanet »

People should actually call in! Over at the SFBARF, we have a thread of people reporting on how long it took to call their representatives: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/sfbarentersfed/7G4Kr....

I managed to talk to someone at both of my representatives' offices within a minute, without any sort of delay. It's very easy, please do call in if you support this measure!

Also, when you do call in, post here afterwards with how long it took you. A lot of people don't bother because they think it'll be a hassle, but it's about a 100 times easier than calling to book a restaurant reservation.

Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#15

Post by branchless »

Won't work. Imagine supply is met, housing is cheap. People then want to live there more. Eventually the point of equilibrium is restored which is that banks keep on creating fiat money until land prices reach a point where you can just about eat and afford the interest repayments.

Land value tax is the answer for all those who don't simply want a quick in so they can get on the gravy train and actually want their kids to grow up in a society where wealth creation, not money creation, makes you richer.

Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#18

Post by natrius »

sytelus wrote: post #13

I highly doubt this bill would pass without severe modifications. The problem is that we have two groups in population: One who own houses and other who don't. First group don't want new houses and dilute value of their property. Politicans very well knows that making this group unhappy will end their careers. The second group is often in minority outside large cities. This is why its very hard to pass laws that woul…

This is exactly what is happening. Those who own homes don't care what the consequences of preventing new housing nearby are. The consequence is income segregation, especially in areas zoned for single family homes. Single family zoning is inherently segregationist—you can only live in those neighborhoods if you can afford the most expensive type of housing. Our homeowner-run local governments feign concern about housing costs while it's literally illegal to build cheaper homes on less land in so many neighborhoods.

To repeal segregation laws that are supported by the public, you're going to need a desegregation movement. Here's one: https://www.facebook.com/DesegregateATX/

Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#19

Post by erispoe »

msane wrote: post #12
noahlt wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think it was written to be accessible to a very broad audience.

It's specifically about California. This level of government is the "Legislature" in all states. "State Legislature": - "State Senate" - "State Assembly"

Nebraska has only chamber, but it's still called the Nebraska Legislature.

Re: Housing in the Bay Area

#20

Post by akanet »

stale2002 wrote: post #6

If you are passionate about the housing crisis in The Bay Area, you should check out The San Francisco Bay Area Rentors Federation. They are one of the groups doing the most activism on this issue.

Yup! If you're interested in a low-effort way to influence the local market, please consider voting by June 7th: http://www.sfyimby.org.

Fun fact: some of you may have seen us canvassing at tech bus stops in SF.

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