I think 'Affordable Housing' is one of the topics where people gloss over the basics. * Affordable Housing returns are always below market-rate housing. * Requ

I think 'Affordable Housing' is one of the topics where people gloss over the basics. * Affordable Housing returns are always below market-rate housing. * Requiring a percentage of building to be affordable housing is a tax. Builders have an interest in avoiding taxes. * Acquiring an affordable housing unit is a long term benefit. Those advocating for housing have an interest in acquiring benefits. * Long term housing prices are driven by regional economics. * Short term housing prices are can be manipulated. Solving manipulations like the simultaneous remodeling of large complexes; raising rates with too little notice to effectively move; or jumping rates by high percentages in a year have different solutions. Thinking in these terms separates concerns of equity in society; the high cost of service workers in congested areas; the rise of empty buildings; the gouging of existing tenants; and subsidized housing for some workers. Recognize this debate has been going for a while. On could argue that providing cheap housing for the Phoenician immigrants would make Athens better for Athenians, or that people like Plato need an affordable place to live to make our city-state great!