2 ms·

I’m curious why this is downvoted as I agree. It is about garbage and zoning and fire trucks. Not exactly hot issues.

mulmen 5y ago
Zoning is a huge issue. Houses are unaffordable to all but the upper middle class in my city because we can’t build fast or dense enough. Permits are an equally huge issue. Garbage trucks provide a critical public service. Without them I would have to buy a different vehicle.
- thr0wawayf00 5y ago
  I agree that things like zoning and trash are important, I don't think anyone disputes that. However, they're not particularly accessible, engaging topics to discuss. That doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about them, but on the issue of a lack of engagement in the community and local government, citizens are asked to devote time to talking about zoning and trash as opposed to whatever else they choose to fill their time with, whether it's entertainment, side hustles, primary job, etc. On top of that, a growing number of people are being priced out of the market as you point out, which I suspect reduces engagement further. Why would the average person who can't even afford a starter home despite working full-time care about an issue like zoning? It feels like somewhat of a paradox.
  - vel0city 5y ago
    > Why would the average person who can't even afford a starter home despite working full-time care about an issue like zoning? Maybe because zoning and permitting are a large part of the reasons why they can't find an affordable house in the area?
thr0wawayf00 5y ago
A big part of the problem IMO is that as wealth inequality increases, more and more people just don't have a desire to participate in the system because the system perpetually disadvantages them. As the share of the population with enough income to own assets like real estate decreases, the overall engagement in the community decreases, which makes sense.
- s1artibartfast 5y ago
  I think it is mostly cultural. But think it has more to do attention, entertainment, and community breakdown. Most communities are functionally nonexistant. People don't talk or engage with their neighbors.

Zoning is a huge issue. Houses are unaffordable to all but the upper middle class in my city because we can’t build fast or dense enough. Permits are an equally huge issue. Garbage trucks provide a critical public service. Without them I would have to buy a different vehicle.

thr0wawayf00 5y ago
I agree that things like zoning and trash are important, I don't think anyone disputes that. However, they're not particularly accessible, engaging topics to discuss. That doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about them, but on the issue of a lack of engagement in the community and local government, citizens are asked to devote time to talking about zoning and trash as opposed to whatever else they choose to fill their time with, whether it's entertainment, side hustles, primary job, etc. On top of that, a growing number of people are being priced out of the market as you point out, which I suspect reduces engagement further. Why would the average person who can't even afford a starter home despite working full-time care about an issue like zoning? It feels like somewhat of a paradox.
- vel0city 5y ago
  > Why would the average person who can't even afford a starter home despite working full-time care about an issue like zoning? Maybe because zoning and permitting are a large part of the reasons why they can't find an affordable house in the area?

thr0wawayf00 5y ago

A big part of the problem IMO is that as wealth inequality increases, more and more people just don't have a desire to participate in the system because the system perpetually disadvantages them. As the share of the population with enough income to own assets like real estate decreases, the overall engagement in the community decreases, which makes sense.

s1artibartfast 5y ago
I think it is mostly cultural. But think it has more to do attention, entertainment, and community breakdown. Most communities are functionally nonexistant. People don't talk or engage with their neighbors.