Is the American Dream Dead? How Zoning Killed Economic Mobility and Caused the Housing Crisis
America was once a land of movement—both physical and economic. But today, we’re stuck. In this episode of Most Podern, Alex Yuen, Minkoo Kang, and Libo Li sit down with historian and *The Atlantic*’s deputy executive editor Yoni Appelbaum to discuss his new book, *Stuck: How the Privileged and the Property Broke the Engine of American Opportunity*. They explore how America’s once-thriving culture of geographic and economic mobility has been stifled by restrictive zoning laws, exclusionary policies, and fear of change—making it harder for people to move and prosper. Yoni traces the history of zoning, from its origins to its role in today’s housing crisis, and outlines three key solutions: standardizing zoning laws, legalizing diverse housing types, and embracing housing abundance. The conversation dives into the broader societal consequences of stagnation and why restoring mobility is crucial for a more America’s future.
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Links
[Read “Stuck](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
https://www.yoniappelbaum.com/
https://x.com/YAppelbaum
Keywords
Urban mobility, Housing crisis, Zoning laws, Single-family zoning, Affordable housing, Yoni Appelbaum, Stuck book, The Atlantic, Urban development, Housing policy, Economic mobility, Social mobility, NIMBY vs YIMBY, Housing affordability, Zoning reform, Urban planning, Gentrification, Real estate policy, Progressive housing policy, American cities, abundance
Chapters
00:00 The American Dream and Housing Ideals
17:37 Generational Perspectives on Community Engagement
20:12 The Impact of Mobility on Society
22:57 Community Concerns vs. Housing Needs
25:43 Mobility as a Fundamental Right
28:16 Balancing Individual Agency and Community
30:43 Proposed Solutions for Housing Challenges
34:47 The Challenge of Change
36:37 Learning from Global Examples
38:40 The Role of Local Communities
43:06 Shifting Mindsets on Growth
47:35 The Importance of Mobility
53:09 Reflections on the Current Era