In a groundbreaking report from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, researchers argue that California's affordability woes require a comprehensive, "abundance-based" policy approach - one that goes beyond single-issue fixes and instead tackles the systemic barriers to housing, transportation, and energy access.
A Paradigm Shift in How We Think About Affordability
The report, titled "What Would It Take to Make Housing, Energy, and Transportation Affordable in California?", makes a bold claim: affordability is not a resource problem, but a policy choice. For decades, California has operated under a "scarcity-driven" mindset that has constrained housing supply, prioritized car-centric transportation, and underinvested in clean energy infrastructure.
According to Paavo Monkkonen, a Luskin professor and co-author of the report, this zero-sum thinking has had devastating consequences: "Regulatory barriers and neighborhood opposition have limited housing options, forcing Californians to pay exorbitant rents or make impossible tradeoffs between shelter, mobility, and energy bills."
Reframing Housing as a Benefit, Not a Threat
The report advocates a fundamental shift in how California approaches housing policy. Monkkonen argues that the state should prioritize high-quality, medium-density "missing middle" developments that combine residential and commercial uses. This, he says, would create more affordable options while also supporting walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods - a far cry from the sprawling, car-dependent communities that have dominated California's urban landscape.
"We need to reframe housing growth as a benefit, not a threat," Monkkonen explains. "By expanding the range of housing choices, we can create more pathways to homeownership and ensure that all Californians have access to the amenities and services they need to thrive."
A People-First Approach to Transportation and Energy
The report also tackles the challenges of transportation and energy affordability. UCLA's Institute of Transportation Studies argues that policymakers should shift their focus from maximizing vehicle mobility to maximizing access to destinations - a subtle but crucial distinction. And on the energy front, the researchers call for a more flexible, decentralized grid that empowers consumers with renewable options and smart-home technologies.
"The bigger picture here is that we can't solve these problems in isolation," says Luskin School Dean Ananya Roy. "Affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and clean energy - these are all interconnected challenges that require an integrated, abundance-based approach."
A Blueprint for a More Equitable California
While the solutions outlined in the report may seem ambitious, the researchers insist that this holistic vision is both necessary and achievable. By rethinking outdated policies and prioritizing the needs of all Californians, they believe the state can chart a course towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
As Michael Storper, a Luskin professor and co-author, puts it: "The status quo is simply unsustainable. What this report really means is that we have a chance to fundamentally reshape California's built environment in a way that works for everyone - not just the wealthy and privileged."