Fighting Back: How Cities Can Resist Federal Housing Failures

Research shows that when people experiencing homelessness are forced to spend time in jail, they are often released with nowhere to stay, may be poorer due to lost possessions, and may be in worse physical health.

Yet folks from both sides of the aisle recently applauded the Supreme Court’s ruling that individuals can be fined, arrested, or jailed for sleeping outside.  It was a case created by California Governor Gavin Newsom and encouraged by MAGA electeds. 

Establishment politicians would rather make it illegal to be poor than solve the real problems causing homelessness and poverty — namely a lack of housing. 

Luckily, cities and towns don't have to wait around for Washington to get its shit together. When federal leaders focus on punishing homeless people instead of actually helping them, local communities have to step up. 

The YIMBY Movement Shows Us the Way

Over the past decade, the YIMBY movement (that's "Yes In My Backyard") has brought a basic truth into the spotlight: there aren’t enough homes for the number of people in our country. We need to build more, and quickly. 

The math is simple: more homes, lower prices.

But increasing our housing supply isn't just about throwing up any old apartments. We need “green social housing” — buildings that have minimal harm to the environment and affordable units for those with lower incomes. 

This means requiring management companies to keep a percentage of apartments at a lower rent and using construction methods that don't pump tons of carbon into the air. 

Beyond Housing: Fixing Neighborhoods Block by Block

Smart zoning can solve other big problems too. Local governments can approve new grocery stores in food deserts: areas where residents currently have to travel miles just to buy fresh food. They can create community gardens where neighbors grow produce and build parks where kids play together. Cities can also make bike lanes and public transit safer and faster, so those who can't afford cars can still get to work without risking their lives or losing hours of their day. 

Local Power Gets Things Done

Here's the best part: your city council, county board, and local trustees could make all these changes happen right now. They don't usually need permission from the state capital or Washington D.C. 

These local leaders control zoning laws, AKA the rules about what can be built where.

Austin, TX shows us how this can work even when state and federal politicians are working against you. The city has an all-Democratic city council and mayor who have made Austin one of the fastest-growing cities for new housing in America. They're doing this despite having a MAGA governor and legislature that consistently oppose their mission. As a result, there will be thousands of new affordable units for residents in the coming years. 

Your Vote at City Hall Matters Most

When wealthy politicians at the top only care about helping other rich people, remember that local elections can change your daily life more than national ones. Electing progressive candidates who support construction that makes your community more affordable and accessible means working families in your neighborhood will grow happier and healthier.

The power to make housing less expensive and neighborhoods more livable sits right in your own backyard. You just need to vote for people who will use it.

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