Seemingly lost in the ongoing debate over growth is a clear understanding of the economics of development and the market forces driving demand for new homes. When large tracts of land are removed from the inventory of developable land because of restrictions in use or the creation of growth boundaries, then the value of all remaining land still available for development increases. That can add thousands and thousands of dollars to the cost of a home. Americans also need to consider the relationship between job growth and housing demand. It's a simple equation.
More jobs equals more demand for housing.
If job growth is a priority, then policy makers have a responsibility to ensure that equal priority is given to demand for a broad mix of housing choices. Working families suffer when we ignore the relationship between jobs and housing. This disconnect between job creation and housing is felt most by middle and lower-income workers, including public servants and people who work in the service and retail industries. Demographic trends over the next two decades will continue to increase demand for housing. The population of the United States will grow by some 37 million over the next 15 years.