I was published in the Atlantic Today

Dear readers,

I am excited to share I had a piece published in the Atlantic today. Here is a gift link.

In it, I argue that the pro-supply parts of the housing movement are not driven by the instincts of deregulation, even when phrases like “cut red tape” are used. Instead, our guiding light is antitrust economics.

I show that—where YIMBYs are deregulating—we are only doing so with a scalpel designed to undermine the capture of the regulatory state by a landowner cartel that has rigged a market.

This makes for a better description of facts on the ground, as much of the YIMBY movement actually support housing regulation that protects consumers and the environment.

I also address the concerns of some national “anti-monopolist” advocates who (rightly!) worry about corporate rule.

Finally, I suggest too much of the recent national conversation about housing fixates on the Bay Area, arguing that is more outlier than archetype. I then share stories from Washington State, where a coalition largely comprised of progressive organizations has been the key support network for pro housing legislative advances.

Please share it with everyone you know!