The average home in our district costs over $1 million, two to three times more than homes in other parts of the country. But our incomes are not two to three times higher. The math has been broken for years, and it's getting worse. Home prices in the Valley have increased six to eight times over the last three decades. Incomes have barely doubled.

Young adults with steady careers are renting longer than they expected. Couples delay starting families because housing feels out of reach. Parents who built their lives here worry that their children will not be able to stay.

This is not about personal choices. It is about not building enough housing, high construction costs, rising insurance, and years of bad policy.

There is no single fix. But there are clear steps we can take.

Build More Housing

When the demand of homes is much higher than the supply, prices go up. We need to increase supply, especially of starter homes, by pushing federal incentives that reward cities for building housing working families can actually afford.

Strengthen Infrastructure

People should feel safe investing in a home here. That means modern utilities, stronger fire protection, and long term upgrades that reduce risk. Smart infrastructure lowers danger and protects property values.

Make Insurance Fair and Reliable

Insurance costs are rising fast. In some areas, coverage is hard to find at all. Families cannot buy homes if they cannot afford to insure them. We need stronger oversight and clear rules so homeowners are treated fairly and coverage remains available.

Cut Unnecessary Delays

Permits and approvals should not take years. Long delays add costs that get passed on to buyers and renters. We can make the process faster and simpler without weakening safety rules or smart environmental standards.

Help First Time Buyers

For many families, the biggest barrier is saving for a down payment. I support better savings tools and targeted first time buyer programs that help working families get into the market. Strengthen down-payment assistance programs, particularly for families who have lived and worked in this community for years and are being priced out of it.

Housing affordability is about basic math. If we want teachers, nurses, small business owners, and young families to stay in the Valley, we need more homes and smarter policy.

Owning a home should be possible for people who work hard and want to build their future here. That is not a radical idea. It is common sense.