This NPR Planet Money Indicator podcast episode discusses the high cost of housing in the US, particularly in major cities. The interview features journalist Derek Thompson, co-author of "Abundance," who argues that restrictive zoning laws, excessive community input requirements ("nimbyism"), and overly burdensome regulations surrounding public funding for affordable housing projects significantly contribute to the problem. The podcast uses the example of the Tehanan apartment complex in San Francisco, which successfully circumvented many of these obstacles by utilizing private philanthropic funding, to illustrate how streamlining regulations could lead to more affordable housing. The discussion also touches upon the broader issue of bureaucratic inefficiencies across various sectors and the challenges of balancing democratic processes with the need for efficient and effective governance.
