Krugman Argues the Supply Side to Combat Urban Inequality

Paul Krugman begins an op-ed that identifies land use regulations as the cause of the affordability crisis in urban America by establishing some historic context. "Specifically, urban America reached an inflection point around 15 years ago," writes Krugman, "after decades of decline, central cities began getting richer, more educated, and, yes, whiter. Today our urban cores are providing ever more amenities, but largely to a very affluent minority."

The big question of the op-ed, however, is why? And a second question: "is there any way to spread the benefits of our urban renaissance more widely?"

First, Krugman credits/blames the modern high-wage earner, willing to pay a premium to live closer to work and reduce commute times. " Hence gentrification," writes Krugman. "And this is a process that feeds on itself: as more high earners move into urban centers, these centers begin offering amenities: — restaurants, shopping, entertainment — that make them even more attractive."

Then, Krugman echoes the words of Jason Furman, the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, who recently began a public relations campaign, of sorts, about the effects of restrictive land use policies on housing supply and housing affordability.

"The good news is that this is an issue over which local governments have a lot of influence. New York City can’t do much if anything about soaring inequality of incomes, but it could do a lot to increase the supply of housing, and thereby ensure that the inward migration of the elite doesn’t drive out everyone else. And its current mayor understands that."

The conclusion of the article promises more on the subject of housing policy and what it will take to deliver on the supply that Krugman desires.