Jim Russell and Daniel Kay Hertz are engaged in an ongoing debate about how supply and demand in markets of so-called "superstar metros" influences processes of gentrification.
Jim Russell writes the most recent installment in the debate, clarifying points he originally made about recent academic research "that adds to the literature about the real estate market problems caused by limited (by whatever means) supply." The original report is called Superstar Cities, authored by Joseph Gyourko, Christopher Mayer, and Todd Sinai.
Russell's clarifying point: "What defines the geographic variance in [the research] case is the quality of demand, not the restriction of supply. Lots of places have some sort of constraint on housing. Few of those places qualify as 'superstar'….Within a metro, quality of supply matters, too."
Russell's most recent post responded to a post by Daniel Kay Hertz saying that Russell originally turned the conclusion of the study on its head. From Hertz's analysis of the white paper: "The housing crisis that’s led to wildly growing income segregation everywhere from Chicago to Kansas City is, actually, about 'demand outstripping supply.' And this paper is just the last in a long line of research supporting that conclusion."
FULL STORY: Turning Real Estate Market Fundamentals on Their Head

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie