In a country where policy and culture both heavily favor homeownership, mortgages and foreclosures are important issues for a ton of people. I'm glad this is getting discussed.
Completely agree. Then again, the roots of Castro's appeal and credibility as a national Democratic leader have baffled me for almost as long as he's been a thing.
You've said this a lot, and I'm interested to see what specifically is driving it. Is it that he was essentially a part-time, ceremonial even, mayor who had few tangible accomplishments to speak of? His slightly dubious finances based on a $3000 salary, speaking fees, and a mysterious seven figure referral fee? I've done some reading recently and I think I'm beginning to see why you'd feel this way.
I'm also interested in how we could change laws and regulations to favor transit-oriented, more compact, and generally New Urbanist modes of development. While regulations are largely necessary to have a pleasant urban environment, the incentive for density is inherent. I'd like to see those incentives let loose.
We don't all need to live in Manhattan, but I'd like to see more towns built with walkable centers and narrow lots. One problem with New Urbanism is that it often is not meaningfully walkable-- you can't walk to the shops, and there's no transit anywhere. I've come to see the merit of many of the critiques of New Urbanism, particularly of its focus on results rather than processes, but I share its aesthetic biases, so I do think it's still pretty useful.
