Graduation Year
2019
Date of Submission
4-2019
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Government
Reader 1
Zachary Courser
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2019 Jake R Kessler
Abstract
Throughout the 20th century, millions of people immigrated to California in search of sunny weather, economic opportunity, and affordable housing. However, since the 1970s, Californians’ economic mobility has dissipated under a persistent affordable housing shortage. This thesis examines the affordable housing crisis and the political and economic incentives underpinning it. In surveying the historical evolution of state and local land use planning since the early 20th century, this thesis analyzes the effects of policy changes on housing supply in the Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles. It argues that California’s land use planning framework limits housing supply by prioritizing homeowner interests, and concludes with policy recommendations to align this framework with regional and state housing goals.
Recommended Citation
Kessler, Jake, "Mortgaging California’s Future: The Politics of California’s Housing Shortage" (2019). CMC Senior Theses. 2170.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/2170
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
