If you’re an elected official, you hear the phrase “affordable housing” almost daily. It dominates conversations from all walks of life from our neighborhoods to commission chambers across the country. And rightfully so— Families are stretched thin, spending half or more of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. People are struggling.
What’s frustrating is how often we hear public officials claim to support affordable housing—you will hear it in speeches, on campaign flyers, and at public forums. However, if you look beyond the buzzwords and dig into the actual results, are we addressing the issue? Are we making housing more affordable? Are families feeling relief? I would argue, no. And to move forward, we need to acknowledge three unspoken realities that Tallahassee and Leon County along with communities alike—must confront.
First, we cannot tax our way out of an affordable housing crisis. Let me say that again: we cannot tax our way out of an affordable housing crisis. Using tax payer dollars or raising taxes to fund more housing programs might sound noble, and it might even win some votes; however, it’s a band-aid fix that may make housing cheaper for a handful of folks, while raising the cost of living for everyone else. The more we tax homeowners, landlords, and small businesses, those costs are passed directly to renters and every day families. In Tallahassee and Leon County, we’ve seen property taxes rise steadily—and with them, housing costs. If we want long-term solutions, we need more than just well-intentioned spending.
Second, over regulating building code is part of the problem. I know that’s uncomfortable for some to hear, but it’s true. Zoning restrictions, lengthy permitting processes, and overly complex building codes drive up the cost of building. When it becomes more expensive to build, homes become more expensive to buy—and to rent. It’s that simple. In Tallahassee, we can support affordability by modernizing our development process and reducing unnecessary barriers — all while maintaining our community’s environmental character and commitment to sustainable growth. Smart regulation can protect what makes our neighborhoods special, all while working with builders to create housing that meets the needs of today’s families.
Third, supply and demand still matter. When we don’t build enough homes, prices go up. It’s not complicated. The laws of high school economics haven’t changed: when supply goes up, prices come down. We must allow for more density where it makes sense—particularly within our existing urban core. Encouraging infill development, mixed-use housing, and more efficient land use can help lower prices and while preserving the character of our outlying rural communities and neighborhoods at the same time.
The good news? We’re making progress. The updated comprehensive plan under discussion includes thoughtful strategies to curb urban sprawl while encouraging smart growth in our urban core where infrastructure already exists. However, progress is often met with politics. Even as some of us push for solutions, others continue to advocate for more regulation, stronger restrictions, and higher taxes—policies that will only make housing more expensive for working families.
Affordable housing doesn’t have to be a mystery. The solutions are clear—but they require courage, common sense, and leadership willingness to challenge the bureaucratic status quo. If we want real affordability, we must stop playing politics with the issue and start fixing the broken system that’s driving prices up. That starts by being honest about what’s not working—and having the courage to speak up to give our hard working families a chance of a wonderful and affordable quality of life.
Christian Caban is the Vice Chairman of the Leon County Commission and represents District 2, which encompasses southwest Leon.
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Interesting view. Should switch back parties maybe? Would love to see a strong R..
Commissioner Caban is correct in this… like gay marriage and abortion, the term “affordable housing” is nothing more than a political campaign tag line. In reality, there’s no such thing as “affordable housing”, there’s only housing one can afford based on ones’ standing in life. If one chooses to stagnate in a job/career that pays $20 an-hour, then one is only going to be able to afford a finite standard of living.
First: “In Tallahassee and Leon County, we’ve seen property taxes rise steadily—and with them, housing costs.” Actually, the reverse is the reality. As property values artificially increase as a result in a lack of housing, property tax (millage) collections increase into the local coffers, often followed by unsustainable spending by local governments. When housing/rentals are in short supply… builders, sellers, landlords, and government make more money. Ergo, it behooves them to maintain the shortage as long as possible in order to bank on it.
Second: Government bureaucracy is indeed part of the problem but has more of an effect on the time it takes to build than the direct cost to build. Zoning, permitting, and building codes are very important, but the process can be made more efficient and expeditious to be sure. “Infill development, mixed-use housing” are just more political jargon. Although some infrastructure may exist, if you didn’t originally design and build your city/county infrastructure to support the increase in density or infill and mixed-use concepts to begin with, then you’re headed for costly problems. And exactly what is “housing that meets the needs of today’s families”? What about yesterday’s families, last years’ families, and tomorrow’s families? And are you suggesting that “today’s families’ are all alike with identical “needs”? Sorry, but that sounds like more political jargon to me.
Third: Indeed, supply and demand still matter. But it’s not the government or taxpayers’ responsibility to control or attempt to manage that. Again, if you wish to improve your standard of living, then it’s up to you to improve your standing in life and career. Government can only use taxpayer dollars to subsidize rents, build government housing (aka: the projects), or impose rent control measures. Another option is utilizing taxpayer owned property, and thus, remove the costs of land from the development equation. Work with builders to construct zero lot line units and reintroduce the concept of the “starter home”.
Just some thoughts, and I’m not claiming they’re all right or the answer… because the solution is far from clear. Kudos to Commissioner Caban for having the courage to start the conversation and present some honest opinions and thoughts.
Whoa … an elected local Commissioner writing such thoughts. How long has the dirge of local permitting issues been sung? Whether City or County, it’s inexcusable. It not only hinders housing, it drives businesses to locate or relocate all around, but not here. It’s encouraging to know we have someone on one of the Commissions with a modicum of common sense.
Fewer babies, fewer families lessens housing demand. Too many humans. Hopefully family heads can acquire better education and job skills so as to be able to afford housing and the costs of raising a family without the need for subsidies.
Nice words by Com. Caban. I expect to see Com. Caban support reducing the millage rate this fall.