Katherine Einstein, David Glick, and Maxwell Palmer
We are political scientists studying the politics of housing in the United States. Our goal is to understand the causes of the housing crisis and, in particular, the obstacles to construction of dense and affordable housing. Our work focuses on the intersection of local institutions like planning and zoning boards and political behavior.
Older, white homeowners dominate public meetings and overwhelmingly oppose new housing construction.
The shift to virtual public meetings during COVID-19 did not meaningfully broaden who participates.
Municipalities are using public land acquisitions as a strategy to prevent housing development.
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Boston University
Katherine Einstein studies American political institutions, with a particular focus on the politics of housing and land use at the local level.
Professor, Department of Political Science, Boston University
David Glick studies American political institutions and behavior, with research spanning judicial politics, political communication, and housing policy.
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Boston University
Maxwell Palmer studies American political institutions and elections, with a focus on congressional politics, redistricting, and housing policy.
Book Participatory Politics and America's Housing Crisis. Cambridge University Press, 2019.
Policy Report Einstein and Palmer. The Boston Foundation, 2025.
Research Article Einstein, Palmer, Hamilton, and Singer. Forthcoming in Urban Affairs Review.
Research Article Einstein and Palmer. Journal of Political Institutions and Political Economy, 2024.
Policy Report Einstein and Palmer. The Boston Foundation, 2024.
Research Article Einstein, Glick, Godinez Puig, and Palmer. Urban Affairs Review, 2022.
Research Article Einstein, Glick, and Palmer. Interest Groups & Advocacy, 2022.
Policy Report Einstein and Palmer. The Boston Foundation, 2022.
Policy Report Einstein and Palmer. The Boston Foundation, 2022.
Research Article Einstein and Palmer. Journal of Historical Political Economy, 2021.
Policy Report Einstein, Palmer, et al. Boston University Initiative on Cities, 2020.
Research Article Einstein, Glick, and Palmer. Perspectives of Politics, 2019.
Policy Report Palmer, Einstein, Glick, and Fox. Boston University Initiative on Cities, 2019.
Housing Politics Lab