There are a myriad of reasons for the rising cost of housing. They include: increased costs for materials; a shortage of construction workers, which started with the Great Recession and has never been resolved; overly restrictive state and local building regulations; demands from younger buyers for homes with far better amenities than their parents enjoyed; and a lack of innovation relating to building practices, probably exacerbated by unions. Trump’s tariffs, deportations, and efforts to protect single-family zoning districts are only making things worse. What could the Democrats offer in 2028?
Reversing Trump’s policies would be a good start. They could offer to provide financial assistance for worker training programs and better local zoning practices. On the rest of it, the federal government can’t do much except elevate the issues in the consciousness of the public and hope the private sector responds accordingly.