Solving the Housing Problem: Hunters and Settlers

European Straits #59

Dear all,

One of my most rewarding intellectual experiences in recent years has been reading a 2014 article by then-TechCrunch journalist Kim-Mai Cutler on the housing crisis in San Francisco—an article with a particularly entertaining title: How Burrowing Owls Led to Vomiting Anarchists.

There are two reasons why I’m now relentless in praising Cutler. One is her inspiring personal story (and talent at telling it). The other is that her chosen topics of urban planning and housing explain a great deal about why individuals have difficulties rebounding in the Entrepreneurial Age. In my eyes, Kim-Mai Cutler is a pioneer (and one who merits many more followers) in crossing institutional and policy ideas with a deep understanding of technology. In fact, ever since I read her article, I’ve been reflecting on how we can imagine a new housing market for the Entrepreneurial Age.

Following an intense brainstorming effort these past few days, one which involved members of my team as well as my wife