NYC Housing Debate Erupts Over Abundance Agenda Study

TL;DR

Hell Gate published a study interview challenging the abundance agenda, sparking fierce debate on NYC housing fixes.
Critics attacked the study's claim that "no amount of housing we build is going to make prices drop."
Debate highlights tension between inequality focus and supply-side push for deregulation and more building.

The story at a glance

Hell Gate's interview with study co-author Maximilian Buchholz questioned the abundance agenda's role in solving NYC's housing crisis, arguing inequality—not regulation—is the core issue. This drew sharp pushback from supply-side advocates like those behind the Abundance book, who faulted the study's methods and non-peer-reviewed status. Hell Gate followed up by commissioning independent researcher Ned Resnikoff, a former California YIMBY policy director, to critique the study. The piece captures an ongoing NYC housing policy debate amid low vacancies and high rents.

Key points

New study claims "inequality, not regulation" drives NYC's rental crisis, rejecting abundance agenda fixes like deregulation and more supply.
Buchholz asserted "no amount of housing we build is going to make prices drop," prompting intense criticism in Hell Gate comments.
Supply-side critics, echoing Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, argue zoning and codes block enough new housing to lower rents.
Some critics noted the study concedes massive supply increases would lower rents, calling its conclusions disingenuous; others questioned lack of peer review.
Hell Gate tapped Ned Resnikoff (UC Berkeley master's, ex-YIMBY and Roosevelt Institute) to detail flaws in the study and original Q&A.
Non-substantive attacks included ex-NYPD chief John Chell labeling Hell Gate "the extreme toilet bowl of NYC journalism."

Details and context

The abundance agenda promotes building more housing by easing local zoning laws and building codes, which proponents say keeps NYC rents inflated.

The original Hell Gate piece featured Buchholz from a new study that directly challenges this view, pinning the crisis on inequality instead.

Resnikoff, who blogged critiques at Public Comment and wrote "There Is No Housing Affordability Without Building More Housing," was chosen for his supply-side credentials to ensure a balanced takedown.

NYC faces historically low vacancy rates and record-high rents, fueling the policy fight.

Key quotes

Maximilian Buchholz: "no amount of housing we build is going to make prices drop."
John Chell (former NYPD Chief): Hell Gate is "the extreme toilet bowl of NYC journalism."

Why it matters

NYC's housing crisis pits supply boosters against inequality skeptics, shaping policy on zoning, rents, and affordability for millions. Readers in the city face direct impacts on rental costs, while builders and policymakers weigh deregulation risks versus equity fixes. Watch Resnikoff's full critique and any peer-reviewed responses, though the debate's outcome remains uncertain.