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Recently, Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein wrote a book titled Abundance. In it, they argue that America's housing crisis is not about technical limits, but political and procedural barriers that prevent us from building enough homes where people want to live. The result is scarcity, rising costs, and families being priced out of their communities. For too long, we as a society have focused on the demand side of things, such as taxes, but not enough on the supply of what goes around, such as housing.

According to new research from the Housing Collective, a non-profit group based in Connecticut, over 90% of planning and land-use board members in Fairfield and New London Counties are white. These boards hold the keys to writing new zoning regulations and approving new homes.

The majority of people on these boards are men. The median age is 60 to 65. Most are homeowners. Meanwhile, renters, younger people, and families of color, those most impacted by Connecticut’s housing shortage, are essentially removed from the room where zoning decisions are made. They do not have a seat at the table, and that is a problem. This same demographic represents NIMBYism, and it is not a coincidence.

Abundance is the opponent to NIMBYism (Not In My BackYard). NIMBYism hurts our economy, schools, and communities by blocking growth and excluding people, essentially closing the door on your way in. Choosing abundance means welcoming new neighbors, strengthening local institutions, and making sure opportunity isn't restricted to the wealthy few.

Abundant housing looks like duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, rowhomes, ADUs, and all in-between for missing middle housing in under-utilized areas. We have the opportunity to build homes in a smart manner for the next generation. Why oppose growth when doing so will hurt your community in the long run?