Thank you for commenting.

I saw Randall O’Toole speak here in Charlottesville several weeks ago. He mixes, in my opinion, valid points with outlandish ones.

Those who say that urban-growth boundaries are not “the” cause of unaffordable housing are right. The problem is urban-growth boundaries plus an onerous permitting process plus impact fees plus other regulatory costs. It just so happens that places with growth boundaries usually have lots of other regulations as well.

The combination of all of the above contribute to expensive housing. The benefits from impact fees may balance the costs when used appropriately, but they do increase affordability.

Better implementation is the key; I haven’t figured out exactly why that is, but filtering extremes is one step I use in my thought process.

Land ‘no cure for housing crisis’ was in interesting story.

DS