Do you agree that increasing housing supply is only one side of the supply-demand equation for beating back Austin’s affordability crisis, and that Austin should refrain from subsidizing growth during times of rapid growth so as to reduce demand growth to levels that can be met with new supply? If so, in the Candidate Response section below, please tell us your ideas for ways to make Austin’s growth pay for itself. (Hint: You can refer to any of the materials parked on this page from the years of work conducted by local developers, Brian Rodgers and Ed Wendler, Jr., especially the power point at the bottom of the page Total Accounting and Impact Fees.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Justin Jacobson

City Council, District 3

I agree with the first statement that increasing supply is only one part of the supply side equation in the affordability crisis. However, with much respect for the information you have provided, I cannot fully commit to the second statement. I do understand the calculations made in the data provided, the overall net benefits and costs, but beyond those strict measures, I need more information to decide where I fall along the spectrum on this question.

I am by no means antagonistic nor put off by the perspective offered, and appreciate its refreshingly frank position in a climate that sometimes just boils down to “Build, Baby, Build” at whatever cost. In my time I have for this question, I would like to take the valuable information that you have provided, among others, and generate a stronger position. Please don’t interpret this as a traditional politicians cop-out, but as a serious attempt to work towards a more honest nuanced point.

Rate your support: 5