The argument of the YIMBY/"fix zoning" team is that our current regulatory environment restricts what the market is allowed to provide.
Based on what I've witnessed in my NEC metro neighborhood, this is correct: politicians gain favor with their constituents by fighting tooth and nail against anything that would add neighbors. I see two primary approaches: directly restrict the housing units allowed on a given property, or increase the minimum space allowed by requiring a dedicated parking spot. Since fewer units have to pay for the overall land and construction costs, unit prices go up.
The market is delivering exactly the results that the government requires of them.
From your description, it sounds like the market is delivering the desired results within a given neighborhood, but failing to solve a tragedy of the commons between neighborhoods.
Right, I guess that's my central point. Capitalism is great for a lot if things, but "public-private partnerships" have proven worse than just letting public goods (like low income housing) be public.
Based on what I've witnessed in my NEC metro neighborhood, this is correct: politicians gain favor with their constituents by fighting tooth and nail against anything that would add neighbors. I see two primary approaches: directly restrict the housing units allowed on a given property, or increase the minimum space allowed by requiring a dedicated parking spot. Since fewer units have to pay for the overall land and construction costs, unit prices go up.
The market is delivering exactly the results that the government requires of them.