top of page
Published Research
In-depth and informed data from our experts
Why housing is getting more expensive - and how states can fix it
By Madi Clark
The study argues that housing affordability is being driven by a long-term shortage of housing supply and incomes that have not kept pace with rising home prices. It recommends market-based reforms such as streamlining permitting, reducing regulatory barriers, expanding housing options like ADUs and duplexes, and encouraging starter-home development. The paper concludes that states can improve affordability by removing obstacles to housing construction while also fostering economic growth and higher-paying jobs.
Past Election Analysis
Sawtooth Leadership Academy Studies
The Blog at MSPC
Housing crisis isn't inevitable: New study offers roadmap to lower costs and expand opportunity
Authored by Senior Policy Analyst Madilynne Clark, the study finds that decades of underbuilding, restrictive regulations, permitting delays, and limited housing choices have contributed to a housing shortage estimated at 3 to 4 million homes nationwide. In Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming alone, the shortage exceeds 335,000 homes.
4 hours ago2 min read
Trump Administration is right to enforce hospital price transparency rule
Hospital price transparency is not political; it’s the only fair, compassionate, and honest way to operate our healthcare system.
1 day ago3 min read
Washington’s Attorney General offers strong defense of signature gatherers’ rights
Amidst evidence of signature gatherers being harassed, Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown is offering support to prosecute those trying to interfere with the initiative and referendum process. This is a refreshing and much-needed defense of the people’s sacred constitutional rights and the rule of law.
3 days ago3 min read
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Most of us understand that the Constitution is a statement of positive law—that is, man-made law—but ask whether the Declaration is law as well.
3 days ago5 min read
Data centers aren’t draining the Mountain West
Data centers have the potential to be an economic boon to the regions in which they are built, along with laying the groundwork for advances in medicine, national defense, and other research. Slowing data center development must be done based on local context, including the consumption levels of the data center and regional water availability.
4 days ago3 min read
States are getting serious about Medicaid fraud
Recently, Washington state and Idaho reported success in aggressively pursuing fraud in their respective Medicaid programs.
Jun 113 min read
Transportation officials may be pivoting as costs explode on interstate bridge replacement
It's likely that rail costs are being severely underestimated and will comprise a much larger share of the total budget than projected.
Jun 93 min read
The men who wrote the Declaration of Independence
The job of drafting a declaration of independence was handed to a group historians call the “committee of five.”
Jun 84 min read
bottom of page