Panel Discussion at Reagan Library Highlights Housing Challenges
Simi Valley, CA—A high-profile panel at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library’s first National Economic Forum brought together significant voices in the housing industry to discuss America’s housing crisis. The experts, including California real estate developer Rick Caruso and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, emphasized two main points: the urgent need for more housing construction and the slower progress in California compared to states like Texas and Montana.
The session, moderated by Jerusalem Demsas from The Atlantic, revealed a growing consensus among leaders that California’s housing woes contribute to high prices and population decline, with Ventura County’s median home price exceeding $900,000. In contrast, states like Texas are successfully implementing bipartisan housing policies that reduce regulatory roadblocks. Governor Gianforte shared insights into Montana’s new laws enabling faster housing development, such as ending single-family zoning, which could serve as a model for California.
Panelists, including Home Depot CFO Richard McPhail, highlighted the difficulty in obtaining construction permits and skilled labor, while emphasizing the need for local governments to streamline approvals. Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts between state and local entities to boost housing production while maintaining community integrity. This dialogue underscores the critical need for a strategic overhaul in housing policies across California.
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