Housing a central political issue: Housing has typically been viewed as a municipal or state issue, but Vice President Kamala Harris is changing that narrative as she campaigns for the presidency. Businessweek editor Laura Bliss explores the evolution of this perspective. Harris advocates for strategies to enhance housing affordability, aligning her campaign with broader economic policies.
The Shift in Political Dynamics
Historically, governorships have served as a launching pad for presidential aspirations. However, the trend has shifted; George W. Bush was the last governor to become president. Recent candidates with local government experience have struggled in primaries, with the last former mayor winning the presidency being Calvin Coolidge. If successful, Harris would be one of the few presidents with a significant urban governance background.
Housing a central political historically, governorships launched presidential aspirations, but trends have shifted significantly in recent elections, accordin to wall street journal print edition.
Kamala Harris’s Urban Experience
Though never a mayor, Harris served as the district attorney of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. Her tenure as California’s attorney general is central to her campaign narrative, contrasting her prosecutorial background with Donald Trump’s legal troubles. Harris promotes her achievements in office, such as boosting conviction rates for violent crimes, while pledging to uphold Biden’s commitment to law enforcement.
Housing Accessibility Initiatives
Harris emphasizes housing accessibility, making it a cornerstone of her economic policy. Her proposals include a $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and a crackdown on corporate landlords. She aims to establish a $40 billion fund for local housing innovations and streamline bureaucratic processes to accelerate development. Her goal is ambitious: constructing three million new homes in her first term.
Aligning with YIMBYism
These housing initiatives resonate with the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, which views housing affordability as a supply issue. Emerging from San Francisco’s housing crisis, YIMBYism advocates for reducing restrictions on new construction. Political allies of Harris have embraced this ideology, signaling her awareness of these pressing issues.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential of Harris’s proposals, experts express skepticism about their feasibility. Meeting the three million unit goal would require a significant increase in current production levels. Yonah Freemark from the Urban Institute warns that a multifaceted approach is necessary, involving various government initiatives to effectively boost housing supply.

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The Bully Pulpit Advantage
A significant aspect of Harris’s potential influence lies in her ability to use the presidential platform. Engaging with community leaders through speeches or meetings could amplify her message. However, the housing crisis is now a nationwide issue, complicating her efforts. While YIMBYism enjoys bipartisan support, Harris’s polarizing nature may risk alienating potential allies in this crucial debate.
The Federal Reserve’s Bold Move
As Harris campaigns, the Federal Reserve has made a notable decision to lower borrowing costs shortly before the election. This bold step aims to invigorate the economy, reflecting the central bank’s struggle to balance political separation with economic necessity. Central bank officials cite stabilizing inflation and a weakening job market as justifications for their actions.
By addressing these intertwined issues, Harris’s campaign reflects a broader commitment to tackling America’s housing crisis and leveraging economic policies to resonate with voters.
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