What can be done to make housing more affordable?

The Ethical Life

Episode 142: Most economists say that the U.S. economy is in a relatively strong position. Although inflation is still a concern, overall GDP numbers are strong, the unemployment rate is low, and wages are rising. Yet in a poll from earlier this year, just 28 percent of Americans rated national economic conditions as excellent or good.

There are many reasons for this disconnect, but one is certainly the high price of housing and the stubborn problem of homelessness in many of our cities.

Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about how the tight housing supply and zoning restrictions are especially harmful for those with the lowest incomes.

Links to stories mentioned in the podcast:

We can solve housing one communithy at a time, by Richard Kyte

Share of gross rent in household income in the United States in 2022, by Statista

Why is housing inventory so low? Understanding the the U.S. housing shortage, by Jess Ullrich, Bankrate

Where are all the apartments for families? by Rachel Cohen, Vox

Homeless or overhoused: Boomers are stuck at both ends of the housing spectrum, The Wall Street Journal

Biden administration to boost affordable housing programs, supply of manufactured homes, by Alex Gangitano, The Hill

Looking for a new car under $20,000? Good luck. Your choice has dwindled to one vehicle, by Tom Krisher, The Associated Press

About the hosts: Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His forthcoming book, "Finding Your Third Place," will be published by Fulcrum Books.