Reuters Econ World Live podcast: The affordability gap
Apr 1, 2026
Aaron Hedlund, White House council member focused on household finance and real estate, and Chi Ossé, NYC council member fighting for rent measures and affordable development. They debate housing supply, red tape and building more homes. They discuss rent freezes, taxing idle luxury properties, junk fees, transit costs, and practical tips for young New Yorkers.
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Pair Rent Freeze With Faster Affordable Construction
- Chi Ossé urges a package approach: pair rent freezes with pro-housing development to avoid harms from solo policies.
- He cites the Rent Guidelines Board power and fast-tracking city-owned land for 100% affordable housing as complementary moves.
Personal Rent Hunt Led To Banning Forced Broker Fees
- Chi Ossé recounts paying broker fees and passing a law to shift that cost to whoever hires the broker.
- He describes brokers previously charging 15–30% of annual rent and the real estate industry's pushback against the bill.
Red Tape Is A Major Hidden Housing Price Driver
- Aaron Hedlund highlights red tape as a primary hidden cost adding roughly $100,000 to a typical home's price.
- He says the administration's executive order ties incentives to states and localities that cut mandates and permitting delays.