Housing costs

Places like NY City and LA have problems with the high cost of living most notably in housing. Housing is heavily regulated due to a combination of strict, outdated zoning laws, intense local community opposition (NIMBY), complex environmental review processes, and rent control measures. These limit supply, and increase development costs, protecting existing low-density structures. It is difficult to change because the system is fraught with fraud. Instances of housing regulators, inspectors, and public housing officials engaging in corruption—including bribery, extortion, and taking kickbacks (often referred to as "skimming" or "pay-to-play" schemes)—have been documented in large cities, most notably in New York City. The long delays in new construction are to give time for each agency to skim without getting caught. Those who have the authority to change the system are the ones benefiting from the current system. It would be like asking congress to enact term limits.