The war against newcomers

The recent San Jose City Council debate about waiving fees for new development had many watchers invoking the term "Drawbridge Economics." This refers to a policy mindset that favors existing residents and businesses, and disfavors people moving to a city or region for the first time. Reihan Salam, president of the Manhattan Institute, comments:

"At the very moment of triumph for cities, something is amiss; in housing, jobs, and entrepreneurship. Insiders appeared to be favored at the expense of outsiders. And who are these outsiders and newcomers? The young, the immigrant, the new business and the new hire. The future of our cities, and indeed our country, depends on how we open these places of opportunity for all people; and not preserve our cities in regulatory amber."