Zoning Reform, Housing Affordability, and Supply Skepticism with Salim Furth and Lisa May

In this episode, Chuck Kasky, Maryland REALTORS® CEO, dives deep into housing policy with Dr. Salim Furth, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and Lisa May, Maryland REALTORS® Director of Advocacy and Public Policy.

Listen as Chuck, Salim, and Lisa examine the issues of zoning, housing costs, and the effects on Maryland first-time homebuyers. Salim breaks down the intricacies of gentrification and the impact it has on regional affordability and local affordability. Additionally, Lisa discusses the ambitious policy proposed by the Moore administration that may begin to address the lack of housing in Maryland.

Salim Furth is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. His research focuses on housing production and land use regulation and has been published in Housing Policy Debate, Critical Housing Analysis, and the IZA Journal of Labor Policy. He has testified before several state legislatures as well as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He frequently advises local government officials on zoning reform and housing affordability.

Furth's writing has appeared in National Affairs, American Affairs, The City, Public Discourse, and numerous newspapers. He previously worked at the Heritage Foundation, at Amherst College, and as a contractor to HUD. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Rochester.

Featured Research

"Single-Family Zoning and Race: Evidence From the Twin Cities." Published in Housing Policy Debate.

"California Zoning: Housing Construction and a New Ranking of Local Land Use Regulation." (Salim Furth & Olivia Gonzalez)