Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 minute ago
Judge Glock, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual dive into a compelling panel discussion on the real drivers of urban affordability. From the hidden impact of sales tax to the role of density in shaping livable cities, our experts unpack how policy decisions ripple through housing costs, public services, and overall quality of life. The conversation explores the delicate balance cities must strike to remain competitive while supporting diverse populations, revealing how economic strategy and urban planning intersect in powerful—and often unexpected—ways. Whether you're a policymaker, city resident, or just curious about the future of urban living, this episode offers sharp insights into what truly makes a city affordable.
Read Judge's City Journal essay on "Sales-Tax Escalator": city-journal.org/article/state-sales-tax-cost-inflation
Read John's City Journal essay "Turning Proximity into Prosperity": city-journal.org/article/new-york-city-success-economy-zohran-mamdani
Get the best of City Journal, delivered weekly:
city-journal.org/email-alerts
Follow City Journal on X: https://x.com/CityJournal
Judge Glock: https://x.com/judgeglock
John Ketcham: https://x.com/JKetcham91
Rafael Mangual: https://x.com/Rafa_Mangual
00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Main Topics
01:09 The Ubiquity of the Affordability Discourse
02:09 Sales Tax as a Hidden Cost in City Living
04:19 The Revenue Role of Sales Taxes and Their Rise
06:50 Disparate Uses and Evasion of Sales Taxes
08:31 Impact of Taxes on Shopping and Migration
09:50 Density, Amenities, and Urban Competitiveness
12:18 Holistic View of Affordability: Income and Services
15:35 The Rosen-Robach Model and Urban Competition
18:23 Amenities, Quality of Life, and Education
20:20 Public Services and Government Performance
23:37 Managing Urban Density and Governance Challenges
28:20 Tax Policy, Suburbanization, and Competition
33:27 The Value of Urban Amenities and Face-to-Face Learning
35:44 The Unique Character of Cities and Community
37:03 The Cost of Crime and Its Economic Impact
Judge Glock, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual dive into a compelling panel discussion on the real drivers of urban affordability. From the hidden impact of sales tax to the role of density in shaping livable cities, our experts unpack how policy decisions ripple through housing costs, public services, and overall quality of life. The conversation explores the delicate balance cities must strike to remain competitive while supporting diverse populations, revealing how economic strategy and urban planning intersect in powerful—and often unexpected—ways. Whether you're a policymaker, city resident, or just curious about the future of urban living, this episode offers sharp insights into what truly makes a city affordable.
Read Judge's City Journal essay on "Sales-Tax Escalator": city-journal.org/article/state-sales-tax-cost-inflation
Read John's City Journal essay "Turning Proximity into Prosperity": city-journal.org/article/new-york-city-success-economy-zohran-mamdani
Get the best of City Journal, delivered weekly:
city-journal.org/email-alerts
Follow City Journal on X: https://x.com/CityJournal
Judge Glock: https://x.com/judgeglock
John Ketcham: https://x.com/JKetcham91
Rafael Mangual: https://x.com/Rafa_Mangual
00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Main Topics
01:09 The Ubiquity of the Affordability Discourse
02:09 Sales Tax as a Hidden Cost in City Living
04:19 The Revenue Role of Sales Taxes and Their Rise
06:50 Disparate Uses and Evasion of Sales Taxes
08:31 Impact of Taxes on Shopping and Migration
09:50 Density, Amenities, and Urban Competitiveness
12:18 Holistic View of Affordability: Income and Services
15:35 The Rosen-Robach Model and Urban Competition
18:23 Amenities, Quality of Life, and Education
20:20 Public Services and Government Performance
23:37 Managing Urban Density and Governance Challenges
28:20 Tax Policy, Suburbanization, and Competition
33:27 The Value of Urban Amenities and Face-to-Face Learning
35:44 The Unique Character of Cities and Community
37:03 The Cost of Crime and Its Economic Impact
