Introduction to Abundance
The concept of abundance is often associated with the city of Houston, which has been a prime example of what American abundance can look like in practice. However, despite its relevance, Houston is barely mentioned in the book "Abundance" by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The book focuses on the failures of cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C., and how they struggle with regulations and development.
The Book’s Thesis
The book’s main argument is that the United States is hindered by a complex web of regulations that were enacted in the 1970s to address issues like pollution and development. While these laws were intended to solve real problems, they have become outdated and now hinder the country’s ability to grow and thrive. The authors argue that the nation needs to rethink its approach to regulations and focus on outcomes rather than processes.
What’s Missing from the Book
One of the notable omissions from the book is a realistic vision of what abundance looks like in practice. Instead of examining successful examples like Houston, the authors rely on hypothetical scenarios or exceptional cases. They mention Houston and Texas as examples of places that have found a formula for getting things done, but they fail to delve deeper into the specific policies and projects that have contributed to their success.
Houston’s Unique Approach
Houston’s approach to development is characterized by a lack of zoning, which has allowed the city to build affordable housing and expand its suburbs. The city’s toll road system has also been successful, generating surplus revenue. Additionally, Texas has made significant investments in renewable energy, including the construction of 3,600 miles of new transmission lines to connect wind farms to the grid. These examples demonstrate that Houston’s approach to abundance is worth studying and emulating.
Why Houston’s Story Isn’t Being Told
So why isn’t Houston’s story being told? One reason is that the city has never done a good job of promoting its achievements. Unlike cities like San Francisco, which has a robust media ecosystem to promote its tech sector, Houston has relied on national media coverage that often focuses on conflict rather than success. As a result, the city’s positive stories are often overlooked, and its unique approach to abundance is not given the attention it deserves.
The Consequences of Not Telling Houston’s Story
The failure to tell Houston’s story has consequences. The city is susceptible to national narratives that override its unique approach to abundance. For example, city officials are now blocking a proposed residential tower in Montrose due to complaints about setback requirements and construction trucks, which is a departure from the city’s traditional approach to development. Additionally, the state is preemptively opposing the construction of new transmission lines for offshore wind turbines, which could hinder the city’s ability to continue its investments in renewable energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while "Abundance" is a worthwhile read that accurately diagnoses some of the nation’s core political ailments, it falls short by not providing a realistic vision of what abundance looks like in practice. Houston’s unique approach to development, which has allowed the city to build affordable housing, expand its suburbs, and invest in renewable energy, is worth studying and emulating. It is time for Houston to tell its story and promote its achievements, rather than relying on national media coverage that often focuses on conflict rather than success. By doing so, the city can provide a model for the nation and demonstrate that abundance is possible without sacrificing economic growth or environmental sustainability.
