Why is there a shortage of affordable new housing? It now costs at least $30-thousand (you heard that right) for so-called "system development costs" paid to the city before you turn a single spade of dirt, should you be able to afford a buildable lot. A powerful dis-incentive to building smaller (read:less profitable) houses for first-time buyers or singles. When the city suspended SDCs for Auxilliary Dwelling Units (who comes up with these terms?), it created a boom in small houses. Now, of course, it looks like the various city departments will get their beaks back in that trough--kiss that form of affordable housing good-bye. I'll believe a politician is serious about affordable housing when they do away with SDC's. Don't hold your breath!