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In the world of mathematics, a Möbius strip is a continuous – endless – surface created in three-dimensional space. It can be created visually by a half-twist of a strip of paper of any rectangle and joining the ends together. The result is a single closed curve that has no beginning or end. Contemplation of an infinite circumstance with no limits has implications in every physical, social and psychological realm. John Wallis, a 17th century English mathematician created a signature for infinity, a horizontal figure 8, representing an endless line. A trip on a Möbius strip would endlessly repeat unless external influences intercede.
In a finite world, many problems and challenges have recognizable beginnings with possible and preferred endings. Complex issues usually do not yield to a single surface or line of thought, instead demanding deliberation beside and apart from current patterns. Breaking free of an endless, Möbius loop can be shocking and difficult, but as the often-used quote about insanity usually attributed to Albert Einstein says: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
An example of the dichotomy between preferred goals and actions to achieve them is the current conundrum of “affordable housing.” In a discussion of the subject at the Fremont City Council on February 2, several possibilities for an ordinance update were advanced – increase inclusionary fees, increase housing density, reduce housing living space or subsidize housing acquisition or construction. Focusing on how to increase the supply of such housing is welcome, but may miss a basic problem.
Fremont and its environs are living on an economic Möbius strip. As demand grows, it is met by additional affordable housing funded by government subsidies, relaxed regulations or developer concessions. The funds to support these efforts must come from somewhere so higher housing costs or taxes are the result. As various sectors of the economy are asked to pay for these accommodations, prices for goods and services increase to compensate. Although some of the housing problem is addressed, in general, the cost of living increases as well, with an unequal burden on economically marginal residents.
Those targeted by affordable housing fall further behind as the cost-of-living soars. Even during lean economic times, the imbalance persists. Witness the housing market in which a small condominium can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Compare this with other areas of the country. The imbalance of housing, cost of living and economic class divide has exacerbated and the cycle continues unabated. Lifestyles and quality of life are vastly different for inhabitants of different and discrete economic strata.
The primary question is whether building more and more affordable housing is the sustainable answer to our housing problem or if it simply attempts to apply a patch to a growing and unsustainable Bay Area population problem. Many residents have decided to answer this question by moving away while others – even those with housing – struggle to simply survive. Some companies have recognized the nature of the problem, moving to distant, out of state locations while others, at least during the pandemic, have asked employees to telecommute.
Is it possible that continued population and housing growth in our area is unsustainable? Are we moving along a Möbius highway on a trip that simply feeds on itself, creating a greater chasm between haves and have nots? As we chase more affordable housing, are we, in effect, aggravating the problem? Does the answer lie in limits to a balanced Bay Area society based on resources?
An objective examination of our trip on the Möbius strip can advocate strengthening our commitment to affordable housing, but also scrutinize why our society has become so economically divided… and do something about it.
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