As a local homebuilder, I see every day the rising costs, complex regulations and market barriers that make it harder to provide affordable, high-quality homes for the families who want to live, work and thrive here. It doesn’t have to be this way.

In the new book “Abundance,” Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson lay out a compelling argument: The problem isn’t just that we don’t have enough housing — it’s that we’ve built a system that actively resists producing more. And not just more, but as well, more affordable. Their book reminds us that the choice to build, grow and welcome housing choices, starts locally.

Here are four specific, actionable ways the new Grand Junction City Council can embrace the spirit of abundance and make housing more affordable — for all of us.

1. Reform zoning to encourage more diverse housing

Building and zoning codes have a significant impact on housing costs. Grand Junction’s zoning codes still heavily favor single-family homes on large lots. While these homes are great for some, they’re not what every family needs or can afford. We should legalize more housing types. Increasing density, with duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — is still further needed. And in more neighborhoods. “Missing middle” housing, a term coined by Daniel Parolek, describes the walkable, desirable, yet attainable housing that many people across the country are struggling to find. Options that provide a multitude of options along a wide spectrum of affordability and utility.

Historically, to foster the unhoused off the street the original methodology was a stepping stone of types and styles. Initially, the Almshouse, which was a house built originally by a charitable person or organization for poor people to live in. With accountability of effort and without government. The next step was boarding houses, suitable for the next step and for the working man or woman. Then apartments, not advocating the conditions of the tenements, but along the lines with the shared living and a communal lifestyle that was perhaps barely adequate but was. These were the progression, but most are not acceptable nor moreso allowable anymore.

Let’s allow more flexibility in how land is used, especially near jobs, transit and schools. Density doesn’t mean high-rises — it means more choices and smarter growth.

2. Streamline permitting and inspections.

Every delay costs money. Builders in Grand Junction often face unpredictable timelines for permits, reviews and plan inspections and approvals. This uncertainty, discourages new investment and drives up prices for buyers.

We can fix this. Let’s set clear, predictable deadlines for approvals. Let’s expedite, digitize and simplify permit applications. And let’s invest in staffing to reduce backlogs and increase communication between departments and applicants. Let’s make a public/private pact to work in favor of the clients and constituents to lower the barrier to success and reduce the cost of the bureaucratic process. But not the purpose.

Cities like Boise and Provo and some smaller towns on the Front Range, have reformed their development processes — and seen faster, more efficient construction as a result. We can do the same.

3. Partner with builders to lower infrastructure costs.

When a developer builds a new neighborhood, they’re not just putting up homes — they’re installing roads, sewers, water lines, sidewalks and sometimes even parks. These infrastructure costs are real, but they don’t have to be borne alone.

The city can offer cost-sharing for key infrastructure, especially when it aligns with long-term community goals of affordable housing. This is an investment in smart, sustainable growth — and it helps reduce the cost passed on to future homeowners.

4. Finally, the city can and must act as an advocate for affordable and attainable housing against the current norms and cost structures of quasi governmental monopolies.

These, such as the water and sewer districts and the utility companies, and even within the fee structure of the city itself. Many fees and costs are the same whether for a 900-square-foot townhome, or a 9,000-square-foot single-family home. There needs to be a realignment and a review of policy. The city has the power to alter and adapt the current status quo on these costs, and must.

Klein and Thompson remind us that abundance is a political choice. If we choose to grow with intention and compassion, we can build a Grand Junction where more people can afford to live, where neighborhoods welcome new neighbors and where prosperity is shared.

I urge this new City Council to lead boldly. Let’s build not just more homes — but a more abundant future for all of Grand Junction.

Darin Carei is the owner of Senergy Builders in Grand Junction. He has been involved in numerous business endeavors as well as many nonprofit and ecumenical outreach organizations.