Where our money comes from remains a mystery for most people. The answer would be much simpler if everyone conducted their transactions in cold hard cash. But we can start by applying the law of supply and demand.
Property Rights
Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.
Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...
August 27, 2026