Gavin Newsom: California’s Housing Crisis Is Its Original Sin

Why It Matters

Housing shortages are the linchpin of California’s economic competitiveness and social crisis; Newsom’s state-led push to override local resistance and speed construction could serve as a model (or flashpoint) for other states and the next governor.

Summary

California Gov. Gavin Newsom called housing the state’s “original sin,” blaming decades of underbuilding and nimbyism for soaring unaffordability and homelessness. He said his administration prioritized aggressive land-use and permitting reforms, enforcement through a housing accountability unit, lawsuits against noncompliant cities and expanded subsidies and tax credits. Newsom credited those measures with a 59% rise in housing construction and a 56% cut in permitting times since he took office, while acknowledging homelessness also involves mental-health and social-service gaps. He framed last year’s package as a decisive shift from local outsourcing to robust state action on housing.

Original Description

Gavin Newsom (@ThisisGavinNewsom) joins Scott to discuss why Americans are losing faith in institutions — and whether Democrats still know how to govern.

They discuss California’s housing crisis, homelessness in Los Angeles and San Francisco, AI’s threat to white-collar jobs, wealth taxes, healthcare reform, and why Newsom believes Democrats are often perceived as “slow, weak, and ineffective.”

They also unpack Israel and Iran, the future of capitalism, masculinity, parenting, and the growing divide between the rich and everyone else.

Also, friendly reminder that we're live on Substack.

Subscribe at http://profgmedia.com to get ad-free versions of all our podcasts, the full archive of Scott’s newsletters, and exclusive content including deep dives, livestream conversations, and subscriber Q&As.

Timestamps

00:00 - In This Episode

01:02 - What has California gotten right, and where does it still need to improve?

03:30 - What kind of programs help expand housing supply?

06:33 - Is homelessness more than just a housing problem?

11:30 - Is Hollywood’s decline in California driven by policy or market forces?

14:31 - What are your thoughts on the proposed wealth tax in California?

18:45 - Should billionaires owe taxes to the states where they built their fortunes?

21:31 - Ad Break

23:52 - What makes the West coast such a hub for innovation and value creation?

27:50 - How should AI be regulated, both at the state and federal levels?

32:59 - How will California prepare for potential labor market disruption by AI?

35:54 - What has the administration gotten right and wrong on Iran?

38:14 - What do you think the administration has gotten right and wrong with Israel?

40:12 - Is Israel held to a higher standard than other countries in conflict?

41:03 - Do you consider yourself a Zionist?

41:30 - Ad Break

42:08 - Thoughts on mandatory national service?

43:45 - Thoughts on a $25 dollar minimum wage?

44:24 - Thoughts on lowering Medicare eligibility every year until we nationalize healthcare?

46:10 - How do we make the tax system more progressive for asset owners?

48:57 - Should wealthy individuals and corporations face a true minimum tax rate?

51:00 - What decision are you proudest of, and what would you do differently?

54:22 - What advice would you give young men about being good partners and fathers?

56:45 - How does constant political scrutiny affect your relationship?

58:55 - What advice would you give sons about showing up for aging parents?

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