Bryan Caplan is known for his unconventional approach to solving big problems. His recent books include Build, build, build: The science and ethics of housing regulation., in which he collaborates with illustrator Ady Branzei to use the graphic novel format to present a more open approach to housing policy. Following 2019, this is his second attempt at the world of pictorial narrative. Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration. reason's Christian Britschgi asked Caplan about his motivations and prospects for the future of the “YIMBY” (Yes In My Backyard) movement.
Q: Why do we need to provide more housing in graphic novel format?
A: There is so much high-quality research out there on this topic, but almost no one will read it because most of it is so boring. Honestly, I'm just looking for ways to get other people's attention. The main claim I made for this book, if anyone gave me 20 seconds, was “I wrote the most fascinating book ever written on housing regulation.”
Question: You argue that repealing most zoning and building regulations would affect many other issues that concern us all. What are some examples?
A: Let's start with the basics: Housing regulations have greatly inflated housing prices, and if regulations are relaxed, housing prices will fall again. This is a large portion of a typical personal budget needed to reduce the cost of a home by up to 50%. [makes] Big difference in overall standard of living.
This means there will be a lot of additional employment of people in the construction industry. Demographics that have performed really poorly over the last few decades. [is] Men who are not college students. Well, that's basically the main types of people working in the construction industry.
This is subtle and fun. There is a traditional upward mobility path that Americans have had. That means wherever you are, move to the area with the highest wages. It doesn't work anymore. In what we call gold rush areas, housing prices are so high that they account for more than 100% of wage increases. It is still true that if you move to an area with high wages, your salary will increase. The problem is that wage growth is now less than housing costs, so it is no longer a viable path out of poverty.
Q: Your book portrays big cities as bright, fun, and forward-thinking places. Do you think most of the NIMBY (“Not in my backyard”) argument is about aesthetics?
A: I'm very mindful of the fact that a lot of people struggle with just aesthetics. So what I wanted to do in this book was to confront aesthetics and aesthetics and say: “Look, you're too sure it's going to look bad. Get my artist to draw it so it looks good, and maybe it will open.” Wake.”
Frédéric Bastiat said that much of the government's argument is based on seeing what is visible and ignoring what is not. I think this really lends itself to housing regulation. It's easy to believe that if we're looking at something really good, we wouldn't want to ruin this perfection. Is it still perfect? Is it really true that on this special day, we have reached the pinnacle of aesthetics in this neighborhood? Let's imagine another way it could look.
Q: Do you feel optimistic about this issue? Do you think the YIMBY case will be a meaningful victory for policy change?
A: I am a conditional optimist. Policies work wonders. I can't say I'm really optimistic that it will win. Of course, I like the idea that my book will cause a political stir and everyone will read it and sway Congress and the 50 state legislatures. There's actually a panel in the book where all the Supreme Court justices are reading my book. See, I can dream.
This interview has been condensed and edited for style and clarity.