YIMBYs' gains in housing policy face renewed skepticism.

Laws easing local limits on housing have spread across states, but researchers and advocates say increased supply alone has not solved affordability and call for stronger government approaches.

YIMBY-backed reforms to ease housing construction have advanced in many states and cities in recent years. Supporters argue removing zoning and parking rules and allowing denser housing will increase supply and reduce prices. But a group of researchers and housing advocates — often called "supply skeptics" — say changing regulations alone has not made housing widely affordable. Coverage cites Federal Reserve data and academic papers showing prices rose sharply after 2020 and that experts disagree about how directly supply affects prices. What is known: - Several states and cities have passed laws to ease construction rules, and the Welcoming Neighbors Network counted 13 states with reforms last year. - Federal Reserve data cited in reporting shows the U.S. median home price reached about $410,800, a roughly 30 percent increase over five years, with higher medians in the West and Northeast. - Researchers including Michael Storper and co-authors argue that links between regulation, supply and prices are weak and present modeling that suggests supply increases alone could take many years to restore affordability. - A National Bureau of Economic Research working paper finds local income growth closely tracks house prices, and policy responses around the country vary (examples include new ADU rules in Maryland and rollbacks of moratoria and parking requirements in other states). Summary: The discussion shapes whether policymakers prioritize deregulating development or pursuing direct government measures such as vouchers or publicly funded housing. Which approach will materially change affordability remains under debate, and next policy actions differ by jurisdiction — undetermined at this time.