We won’t solve the housing crisis if it’s illegal to pick up a hammer

As 2026 begins, the economic story remains the same: The rent is too damn high, and the dream of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for millions of Americans. New data reveals that the typical age of a first-time home buyer has climbed to an all-time high of 40 years. And although policymakers throughout the country are recognizing the need to turbocharge residential construction, many states – including California – are failing to adopt reforms that could have a meaningful impact on housing prices.