Part 9/11:
The discussion extends to the nationwide trend of high housing prices in progressive cities with restrictive policies. The speaker compares Seattle’s situation to Florida and Texas, where housing costs are high but significantly lower than in Seattle, highlighting the role of less restrictive policies.
He criticizes the idea that “more affordable housing” alone can solve the problem, arguing that many affordable units are occupied by individuals reliant on social safety nets, which further burdens social services and taxpayers.
Furthermore, the speaker criticizes progressive policies that impose high taxes—such as the $9.2 billion increase in taxes in Washington—and restrictive regulations that drive away investment, thereby aggravating the housing shortage.