Governor Polis Puts YIMBY-shaded Lipstick on Mass Immigration Pig
As has become increasingly noticeable, politicians who support ending local control of zoning restrictions also tend to support mass immigration through unspecified or insincere limits.
So those who go to bat for landlords, developers, and real estate speculators also tend to aggressively push demands for importing more renters to compete in the housing market.
Witness the recent announcement from Governor Polis of Colorado that he intends to take control over local zoning decisions in his state:
What would prompt such a move? We know that Colorado voters - who want opportunity, housing, and a general high quality of life for their children - do not actually want unending additional development. Even the vast majority of Republicans prefer to leave water in rivers and streams rather than facilitate development for big increases in Colorado residents.
Those who rely on common sense might note that merely refraining from mass immigration could accomplish both goals. Especially considering that the research Colorado Public Radio's coverage cites explains:
...we find no statistically significant evidence that additional lower-cost units became available or moderated in cost in the years following reforms."
This clearly isn't about price.
This isn't prioritizing affordability for aspirers on the periphery of achieving the American Dream. Rather, these powerbrokers are creating the demand curve that "necessitates" such policies.
Ironically, Gov. Polis knows full well the concept of preserving the character of a place while allowing it to flourish. We wrote about how he facilitated just that as Congressman for Boulder.
Just to review, we know that future demand for housing is driven almost entirely by immigration. We know that record housing starts have been no match for the increased migration under the Biden administration. And we are seeing strong evidence that housing prices are driving inflation.
Don't let politicians get away with these decisions adversely impacting the common good.
ANDREW GOOD is the Director of the Media Standards Program for NumbersUSA
