In a bid to address the pressing issue of housing affordability in the United States, Democrats have made it a centerpiece of their campaign strategy for the upcoming November elections. Despite the potential risks involved, party leaders are determined to tackle the housing crunch and rising costs of homes and rents, which have sparked voter outrage across the country.

At the Democratic convention, prominent leaders like Kamala Harris and Barack Obama capitalized on the growing momentum behind housing reform. They called for an overhaul of local zoning laws, which act as barriers to the construction of new and more affordable housing. However, they also acknowledged the limited influence of the federal government over these rules.

If successful, the Democratic strategy would empower mayors, city council members, and party leaders across blue cities and states to confront local planning boards and legislatures in order to fulfill their promise of building three million new homes, as pledged by Kamala Harris. The aim is to prioritize housing as a national issue that impacts communities across the country.

While addressing housing affordability carries political risks for Democrats, who have faced criticism for their handling of the issue in some cities they control, it also underscores the party's commitment to listen to the growing chorus of Americans struggling to find affordable housing. By taking ownership of this issue, Democrats aim to flip the script and present themselves as champions for those affected by the housing crisis.

The push for zoning and land-use reform, advocated by Obama during the Democratic National Convention, has been gaining traction at the state level for several years. California, in particular, has become the poster child for unaffordability, with soaring housing prices contributing to widespread homelessness and straining city services. In response, the state has passed laws to streamline permits for affordable housing and ban single-unit zoning, a crucial step towards increasing construction.

Housing reform efforts have been embraced not only by blue states, but also by red states seeking to maintain affordability for locals. The "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard) pro-housing movement, which encompasses both center-left and center-right perspectives, has gained support from top Democrats, including Obama, Harris, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, indicating a broader national push for more affordable housing.

However, the issue is not without its challenges. Former President Donald Trump has sought to exploit Democrats' urban housing failures and raise concerns about the potential impact on suburban areas. Trump's rhetoric about "preserving local decision-making" on housing resonates with some progressive Democrat city council members, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the need for a multi-faceted approach.

Democrats are proposing a range of measures to tackle housing affordability, from federal down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers to the creation of an innovation fund to incentivize housing construction and measures to curb rent hikes. While these proposals may face opposition and concerns over budget deficits, supporters argue that they are necessary steps to alleviate the housing shortage and make housing more accessible.

Ultimately, the success of the Democrats' housing affordability agenda will largely depend on state and local zoning and land-use regulations. While economic arguments may struggle to sway political resistance, the strong rhetoric from national Democratic figures provides local officials with the political cover they need to address the issue.

As the November elections draw near, Democrats hope that their focus on housing affordability will resonate with a broad spectrum of voters, including younger generations disillusioned by the housing market and conservative-leaning individuals feeling the squeeze. It remains to be seen whether Democrats can overcome the challenges posed by wealthy homeowners who have historically opposed zoning changes and affordable housing projects.

In a politically polarized landscape, housing affordability emerges as a relatively depolarized and bipartisan issue that demands urgent attention from both sides. With the backing of key Democratic figures, the push for more and cheaper housing gains momentum, setting the stage for a healthy contrast between candidates and underscoring the importance of addressing this critical issue.