Anna Cheng Kramer for Congress

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Housing in this country is a problem

Housing in this country is a significant and pressing problem. It has become increasingly too expensive for young people to afford, and the quantities available are far too limited to satisfactorily meet the growing demand.

With over 30 years of experience as an executive in the Housing Industry, I possess a deep understanding of the complexities involved in multi-family housing development.

If elected as your Congressperson, I would advocate for a comprehensive national housing solution designed to both increase the supply of affordable homes and lower overall costs, benefiting every state, including California.

Here is my vision:

Market-Driven Housing Initiatives

I would propose a comprehensive nationwide approach that effectively leverages free-market principles to develop innovative housing solutions:

  1. Deregulation: I would push to reduce burdensome regulations that hinder housing development. By streamlining approval processes and cutting red tape, we can significantly lower construction costs and timelines.

  2. Zoning Reform: I support updating local zoning policies to unlock new housing supply. We will incentivize cities and states to lift restrictive regulations that limit housing density and types, without imposing state and federal mandates.

  3. Tax Incentives: I aim to expand and improve programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to encourage private developers to build more affordable housing nationwide.

Fiscal Responsibility and Local Control

I believe in the responsible and judicious use of taxpayer funds, as well as the importance of empowering local communities to make decisions that best suit their unique needs and circumstances.

  1. Accountability Measures: I propose tying federal housing subsidies to local governments' efforts in reducing regulatory barriers to housing production. This will encourage cities and states to streamline their housing approval processes without overstepping federal bounds.

  2. Block Grants: Instead of top-down federal programs, I support providing block grants to states and localities, allowing them to implement housing solutions that best fit their communities.

Free Market Solutions

To effectively address the alarming, inflated cost of living that many families are facing and to simultaneously boost our economy for broader prosperity, I strongly support the following initiatives:

  1. Public-Private Partnerships: I will promote collaboration between government and private industry to develop innovative housing solutions without relying solely on government funding.

  2. Opportunity Zones: I will work to expand and improve the Opportunity Zone program to incentivize private investment in distressed areas, spurring housing development and economic growth.

  3. Energy Independence: I will advocate for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that will lower utility costs for homeowners and renters alike. This will also reduce the cost of housing production.

Benefits for California

This approach would benefit California in many ways, including enhancing community engagement and promoting sustainable development while ensuring that the diverse needs of its residents are met effectively and equitably. Such a strategy would also foster economic growth and innovation throughout the state, contributing to a stronger, more vibrant society.

  1. Deregulation would help alleviate California's severe housing shortage by making it easier and cheaper to build new homes.

  2. Zoning reforms would allow for more density in California's urban centers, creating more housing opportunities close to jobs and transit.

  3. Tax incentives would encourage private developers to invest in affordable housing projects throughout the state.

  4. Block grants would give California more flexibility to address its unique housing challenges without federal micromanagement.

  5. Public-private partnerships could lead to innovative housing solutions tailored to California's diverse communities.

  6. Expanded Opportunity Zones could revitalize struggling areas in California, particularly inland regions.

  7. A focus on energy independence would help California balance its ambitious climate goals with the need for affordable housing.