James S. Burling, a leading property rights attorney, exposes the flawed policies that have exacerbated America’s housing problems and offers a bold, market-driven solution to restore livable communities.
SACRAMENTO, California., 13 August 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A timely and insightful new book, Nowhere to Live: The Hidden History of America’s Housing Crisisreleased today, examines the root causes of the homelessness crisis and affordable housing challenges affecting communities across the country.
In his new book, Nowhere to Live: The Hidden Story of America’s Housing Crisis, James S. Burling, a leading property rights advocate, exposes the flawed policies that have exacerbated America’s housing problems and offers a bold, market-based solution to restore livable communities.
In the book James S. Burling, an experienced property rights attorney with over 40 years of experience and Vice President of Legal Affairs at Pacific Legal Foundation, meticulously traces the missteps and misguided policies that have shaped today’s housing crisis. Through vivid storytelling and historical analysis, Burling examines pivotal moments in early 20th century housing developments and the ill-fated “urban renewal” movement of the 1950s. The book reveals how most well-intentioned government interventions have exacerbated the problem rather than solved it.
But Nowhere to live goes beyond simply diagnosing the problem or uncovering the reasons why large parts of America have become uninhabitable. It offers a workable solution: restoring private property rights. The book makes a compelling case that stronger protections for property rights will lead to the creation of more housing.
Author Burling shares the inspiration behind his latest book:
“I wrote this book after fighting in court for over 40 years in litigation on property rights, environmental and land use issues. It is clear that the destruction and over-regulation of property rights has stifled the development of millions of homes, driven up housing costs and harmed working-class and minority families. Even my own children, despite hard work and good jobs, struggle to afford homes in regions like Southern California. My goal is to restore respect for property rights and create a climate where developers can provide people with the homes they need and want to live in.” — James Burling
Topics include:
- Zoning: America’s obsession with quiet places where yards are wide and people (of color) are few
- Expropriation and destruction of workers’ housing
- How environmental protection destroys property rights and housing opportunities
- Rent control is not a solution
- Affordable housing regulations: unworkable, unproductive and unconstitutional
- The great emptying of the mentally ill on our streets
- Property rights: a way out of the housing crisis
Lawyers and property rights experts applaud Nowhere to live for his insightful analysis:
“This book provides a crucial understanding for addressing the fundamental problems of our country’s housing crisis.” — senator Michael Lee
“Indispensable reading for anyone interested in the key issues surrounding property rights and land use. the United States Today.” — Ilya Somin, George Mason University
“Although land management can be a dry subject, Burling has turned it into an exciting story that makes the reader want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.” — Dana BerlinerInstitute of Justice
“If you have ever wondered how we got to the point where we can no longer house our population, then read no further… It is a sobering read and points the finger directly at the government agencies responsible.” — Michael BergerManatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
“Nowhere to live is a must-read not only for legal experts but also for interested citizens who want to understand the dynamics of the American housing crisis and the role of private property in a thriving society.” — James SternWilliam & Mary Law School
About the Pacific Legal Foundation
Pacific Legal Foundation is a national nonprofit law firm that defends Americans who feel threatened by government overreach and abuse of power. Since our founding in 1973, we have stood up to the government when it violates individual liberty and constitutional rights. With active cases in 34 states plus Washington, DC, PLF represents clients in state and federal courts and has won 18 of 20 cases argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.
www.pacificlegal.org
SOURCE: Pacific Legal Foundation
