> the problem is the policies of the city That's more like a symptom. Policies are shaped by people and people are motivated by forces. The motivating force i

> the problem is the policies of the city That's more like a symptom. Policies are shaped by people and people are motivated by forces. The motivating force in this case is probably money. There are lots of people who make money off real-estate and they're motivated to keep supply down to drive up costs. What better way than by influencing public policy to suit their agenda. If you try to change city policy to make housing affordable then you're basically declaring war on a very influential portion of the population that has a lot to lose.