Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by raxxorrax 2140 days ago
I am not against building more housing, on the contrary.

I think the general consideration for this approach is far too narrow. Cities are the least sustainable places humans live in. So the premise is already restricted on properties of the labor market, the main draw for people moving towards cities in the first place. Here the assumption is true, since there are certain requirements for proximity and infrastructure. But I doubt housing policies should be based on that perspective alone.

Especially now, since we noticed that huge parts of the labor force in administrative roles can just as well work remotely. So I believe the perspective to be too narrow. Problems like pollution, congestion, food production, noise and yes, satisfaction are factors that already got externalized before any discussion even began.

I think any housing policies should be mindful of demand, but also examine why the demand exists and if the might be better alternatives. I think many people like "greener pastures" if they weren't forced to compromise with their need for infrastructure.