Taking displacement metrics seriously

There's a lot of talk about how new development, such as Google at Diridon, might force lower income residents to move to far-flung corners of the Bay Area, or become homeless altogether. A concerning thought, but does the data really support the fears? 

Roger Valdez reports from Seattle, and notes that much of the scary data about displacement and gentrification does not withstand serious scrutiny: 

"Unless and until there is a quantitative definition and measurement of displacement we ought to stop using the term. Compassion? Absolutely. Many people in our local economy are suffering. In fact, tonight, thousands of people within close distance to where I am writing this will sleep in cars, tents, or in doorways. The stubborn resistance to the simple fact of supply and demand and the argument that building new housing displaces people is slowing production by promoting policies that further restrict new housing. That is harmful to poor people. What is also harmful is the blithe disregard by people who ought to know better that taking the term seriously in the name of “acknowledging the problem” is certainly not adding to the discussion or making life better for anyone."

It's a thoughtful read.