A response to the UBCM: municipalities and housing supplyA response to the UBCM: municipalities and housing supply
People First Radio
Nathan Lauster responds to the UBCM’s recent position paper on housing, and discusses housing supply, zoning and the role municipalities play in our housing situation. Lauster is an Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at the Universi
25:30•5 May 2022
Housing Supply: Unpacking the UBCM Report with Nathan Lauster
Episode Overview
- Municipalities hold significant power over land use, affecting housing supply.
- Low vacancy rates in BC highlight a need for more affordable housing.
- Innovative models from New Zealand offer potential solutions.
- Reforming municipal powers could enhance housing development.
- Zoning laws play a crucial role in shaping urban landscapes.
“Municipalities have these enormous powers to exclude housing - that's what should be reformed.”
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of housing supply with Nathan Lauster on People First Radio. As an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of British Columbia, Lauster brings a fresh perspective to the housing affordability crisis, sparked by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities' position paper. Lauster isn't shy about critiquing the report, highlighting its failure to recognise the real issues behind low vacancy rates and unaffordable housing.
You'll hear about the role municipalities play in this puzzle, wielding significant power over land use and development regulations that can stifle new housing projects. It's like a complex game of SimCity, but with real stakes for real people. Lauster also discusses innovative models from places like New Zealand and California, where reforms are paving the way for more inclusive and affordable housing solutions.
If you're curious about the nuts and bolts of zoning laws and how they shape our cities, this episode is a must-listen. Lauster's insights will have you rethinking the role of local governments in tackling housing challenges. So, if you're passionate about making cities more livable and inclusive, tune in for an engaging conversation that might just spark some new ideas.

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