Affordable Housing: The Free Market Way

In Arlington County, one of the major political parties has proposed allowing property owners more discretion over what they do with their own property. The proposal in question involves allowing home owners to rent out part of their property, in spite of existing zoning laws. The other party is launching a publicity campaign to fight this, claiming it will strain existing public services. They are also shamelessly using this as a fundraising opportunity for the party (in an email I received today).

Maybe you've guessed, based on my coyness about mentioning the party names, that it is the Democrats who are pushing this pro-market change, while Republicans are in favor of anti-property rights zoning laws. Maybe Jason is on to something.