Why does the article not address the elephant in the room: cost of living? What was already a poor use of money (being an urban renter) is now a much worse use

Why does the article not address the elephant in the room: cost of living? What was already a poor use of money (being an urban renter) is now a much worse use of money thanks to plague and other social ills. US urban quality of life has not kept pace with international standards, also, with antiquated infrastructure being one of the most significant issues combined with an anti-development regressive political mindset.