The Push for Abundant Housing: A Progressive Call to Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new wave of progressive thought is emerging in response to a growing affordability crisis across the United States, led by journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. In their recently published book, “Abundance,” they argue that persistent issues such as a housing shortage and crumbling infrastructure stem largely from stringent regulations imposed by Democratic-controlled cities and states.

Klein and Thompson note that despite the political power held by Democrats in numerous jurisdictions, the existing governance structures have failed to provide adequate solutions for rising living costs affecting millions. They assert that an abundance agenda, which prioritizes building and innovation over restrictive governance, is fundamental to achieving economic growth and improving living standards for all Americans.

According to their analysis, many progressive policies that seek to protect the environment and promote social justice have inadvertently stifled economic development. They cite evidence showing that blue states such as California and New York, despite their progressive ideals, often experience more severe housing shortages and higher rents compared to states with looser regulations. For example, while California has issued significantly fewer residential building permits than Texas, Austin has seen a dramatic drop in median rent, which decreased by 22% in the past two years due to a robust push for more rental housing.

“Liberals speak as if they believe in government and then pass policy after policy hamstringing what it can actually do,” Klein said, emphasizing the need for progressive governance that is effective and results-oriented.

The authors argue that part of the issue lies in the excessive regulatory framework imposed by laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which they claim contributes to lengthy approval processes for infrastructure projects. They highlight that the lengthy environmental impact statements, which averaged around 600 pages in 2022, delay essential projects that could stimulate economic growth and provide jobs.

“Building a clean energy economy requires constructing vast amounts of new infrastructure,” Thompson noted, advocating for an urgent reevaluation of the existing laws that create impediments for housing and renewable energy projects.

This perspective, championed by a faction of progressive thinkers known as “abundance liberals,” seeks to recalibrate the focus from merely redistributing wealth toward creating more opportunities through increased production and development. The movement posits that an abundance of resources and infrastructure will lead to reduced costs, benefiting a wider swath of the population, from low-income residents to the middle class.

Despite the theoretical benefits of the abundance agenda, some critics on the left express concerns that prioritizing growth over other progressive values could yield negative consequences for social equity. However, Klein and Thompson assert that combating regulatory obstacles is vital for enhancing living standards for all, particularly working-class Americans.

As the movement continues to gain traction, its supporters are calling for a unified front among Democrats to tackle the zoning restrictions and environmental laws that they argue contribute to the affordability crisis. Recognizing the challenges of aligning various factions within the party, they still maintain that productive governance is critical for securing victories in future elections.

“Disempowering an increasingly authoritarian GOP should be Democrats’ top priority in 2025,” Klein concluded, underscoring the importance of advancing policies that promote housing development, green infrastructure, and economic growth.