We believe . . .
- Free exchange of value allows people to meet needs with other people’s strengths;
- Free exchange of value isn’t just the essence of a free market but is the basis of civilization;
- Rules are just when they make value exchange more predictable;
- Each human being has unique value, and benefits most from that value when able to exchange it with others in a mutually beneficial way;
- Inflation happens when the demand for a product exceeds supply and prices go up;
- When rules limit supply, and the inflation that results limits opportunity and disproportionately consumes the savings and wages of the poor, they are unjust and unfair;
- That we should never subsidize the poor with exactions that add costs to production and make inflation worse; and
- That compassion between people is best when it is direct and as efficient as possible.
What we do . . .
Solid research and data – Every day inaccurate and unhelpful statements, comments, and headlines make the housing discussion more confusing. We respond with accurate data and reports.
Leading edge proposals for more housing – There are good ideas for increasing housing production and making life better for consumers but don’t raise prices. We will research and share those.
Changing the narrative – Why do people believe what they do about housing? We need to ask them and learn what would shift their thinking away from worrying about scarcity and toward supporting more housing abundance.
The Center for Housing Economics is a project of Seattle For Growth, a 501c4 non-profit, was founded by builders, developers, and landlords to advocate for more housing and better housing policies. You can learn more and support our efforts at seattleforgrowth.org