The emergence of the bipartisan Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) Caucus in Congress signals a potential shift in focus towards the housing affordability crisis in American cities.

While progress has been made in various states like California, the lack of sufficient housing development to curb rising rents and prices remains a major issue in most major U.S. cities. Local authorities wield power over restrictive zoning laws, lot sizes, and parking requirements, making it challenging to address housing shortages at a federal level.

To effectively address these barriers, members of the YIMBY Caucus have their work cut out for them. One feasible starting point for the caucus could be addressing the antiquated Height of Buildings Act in Washington D.C., which limits development to 130 feet.

Enacted in 1910 following public outcry over the Cairo Hotel, the Height Act restricts building heights in the city, resulting in limited space for new construction in downtown D.C. This constraint has led to increased building costs and a lack of affordable housing options, exacerbating issues for city residents.

Opening up the discussion regarding the Height Act could pave the way for necessary changes to support more housing construction in D.C. While concerns about historic preservation and local governance must be considered, reforms to the Height Act present an opportunity to revitalize the District’s economy and address longstanding issues surrounding affordable housing.

Connor O’Brien, a research and policy analyst at the Economic Innovation Group in Washington D.C., emphasizes the importance of addressing the Height Act as a crucial starting point for the YIMBY Caucus in their push for housing reform.