Fact Check: "New housing production in Sun Belt cities has fallen by over half in 25 years."
What We Know
The claim that new housing production in Sun Belt cities has fallen by over half in 25 years requires careful examination. According to a report from the Harvard Kennedy School, while there has been a notable increase in housing permits in the South compared to other regions, the overall trends in housing production can vary significantly by locality and over time (Harvard Kennedy School).
Additionally, a recent article from The Atlantic suggests that Sun Belt cities are experiencing a housing production crisis similar to that of coastal cities two decades ago, indicating that the challenges in housing supply are becoming more pronounced (The Atlantic). However, it does not provide specific data to confirm a drop of over 50% in production over the past 25 years.
A report from HUD discusses the limitations many communities impose on residential development, particularly favoring single-family homes, which could contribute to a slowdown in new housing production (HUD User). This suggests that while production may not have fallen by half, there are significant constraints affecting housing supply in these areas.
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claim is mixed and does not definitively support the assertion of a 50% decline in housing production. The Harvard Kennedy School report highlights that Southern counties are more likely to permit new construction, which contradicts the notion of a significant decline in production (Harvard Kennedy School).
On the other hand, the article from The Atlantic indicates that the situation in Sun Belt cities is deteriorating, but it does not quantify the decline in production, making it difficult to assess the accuracy of the claim (The Atlantic). The HUD report provides context about zoning laws and community preferences that may limit housing production, but again, it does not provide specific figures to substantiate the claim of a 50% decrease (HUD User).
The lack of concrete data from reliable sources makes it challenging to verify the claim. Furthermore, the sources used vary in reliability and focus, with some providing anecdotal evidence rather than comprehensive statistical analysis.
Conclusion
Needs Research: The claim that new housing production in Sun Belt cities has fallen by over half in 25 years lacks sufficient evidence for verification. While there are indications of challenges in housing production, particularly related to zoning and community preferences, the specific assertion of a 50% decline is not supported by the available data. Further research and more precise statistics are needed to clarify the trends in housing production in these regions.
