[drugme]

The problem with housing there has one simple cause: NIMBYism

It's definitely simple-sounding, as a single cause -- but unfortunately that doesn't make it so.

Any sober analysis of the current housing crisis points to a convergence of multiple, and in some cases highly nuanced factors -- ranging from shifting crime rates and the collapse of urban industrial base; to shifts in government policy (including the near-abandonment of federal support for new public housing initiatives); and a whole bunch of others. And yes there's something known as "zoning" which plays a part also.

But the idea that NIMBYism is the sole important factor - or even the most important factor - just doesn't hold water.

If you're skeptical of this, just ask yourself: "What causes NIMBYism?"

[TulliusCicero]

There's various reasons for why people are NIMBYs, sure. But that's still the single biggest proximate cause of the housing crisis, by far.

I mean, you could also say, "those tech companies created too many high-paying jobs!!" but last I checked, that's generally what we wanted companies to do, so getting mad at them for it seems pretty weird.

[drugme]

That's generally what we wanted companies to do,

Maybe so -- but as a response it completely dodges the question of whether or it has been a contributing factor or not.