[topher515]

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! The number 1, 2, 3 and 4 problems the Bay Area specifically (and CA generally) faces are an undersupply of housing.

Fixing this problem will be huge steps towards addressing homelessness, gentrification, desegregating schools, and general wealth inequality.

If there is a focus on high density housing near public transit, then this will also have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions

[umvi]

High density housing? That sounds like it's going to devalue my own property. Not in my back yard!

[bradlys]

Not sure if you're being sarcastic. From what I've heard, if you own a SFH and SFH are being torn down for apartments then your SFH becomes more desirable over time because SFH are less common. (Presuming finite land and SFHs) And if a developer can make 5x the housing on your one lot then probably $$$ - right?

[nickff]

I would like to add that rent controls increase all types of pollution; they increase average commuting distance, because the rent controls make it expensive to move closer to work (decreasing mobility).

[dredmorbius]

Lack of rent control ... seems to have achieved the same result.

Land value tax (and relaxed/rationalised zoning & building codes) seem a more likely route.