> there's a smaller, apparently more vocal segment who hate it (and perhaps have more time on their hands to make themselves heard).
This is a general problem in local governments all over America. The people who already own real estate wield more influence, and their self-interest is in keeping prices high.
There may be many more people who favor denser development and who would become residents / property owners if increased development made it affordable. But potential residents don't get to vote, only actual residents do.
While it's hard to prove, I would not be surprised if local zoning laws are one of the biggest impediments to social mobility. Part of the growing split between rich and poor in America is geographic. If you can make the leap into the richer places, there's much more opportunity.
This is a general problem in local governments all over America. The people who already own real estate wield more influence, and their self-interest is in keeping prices high.
There may be many more people who favor denser development and who would become residents / property owners if increased development made it affordable. But potential residents don't get to vote, only actual residents do.
While it's hard to prove, I would not be surprised if local zoning laws are one of the biggest impediments to social mobility. Part of the growing split between rich and poor in America is geographic. If you can make the leap into the richer places, there's much more opportunity.