David Talan argues that rent control would deter new construction
David TalanIn his September 14, 2026 interview with Steve Ahlquist, published September 15
Talan argues that rent control would deter construction and favors expanding housing supply. Interviewer Steve Ahlquist challenges his account of New York's experience.
“What it does do is prevent new construction. That’s the real problem.”
Interview
Original text
Where this statement fits
Should Providence cap annual rent increases at 4%?
Providence's proposed rent stabilization ordinance would set a standard 4% annual increase limit for covered housing, with exemptions and permitted adjustments. Mayor Brett Smiley vetoed it, arguing that it would worsen housing constraints and shift tax burdens. State Rep. David Morales supported the proposal as part of his housing platform. The council's attempt to override the veto failed. The dispute is whether Providence should adopt this form of rent regulation.
Source and context
Interview
About this source
The interview was conducted on Monday before its September 15 publication. Talan's campaign index dates it September 14.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Original text
About this source
The campaign lists the Ahlquist interview as a September 14, 2026 interview.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Ahlquist says New York's regulated tenants have been able to remain in their homes.
After the quotation
Ahlquist disputes the construction claim by pointing to new building in New York City.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The case tracks Providence's proposed rent cap. Talan opposes rent control because he believes it would block construction; the interview makes the policy reference explicit.
- Recorded on
- Published here
More from this case
Read the full caseBrett Smiley calls rent control a false promise
“I believe it is a false promise”Read statement
David Morales says rent stabilization can accompany more construction
“We can ensure that we have rent stabilization in place, or our neighbors do not get price-gouged when it comes to rent increases.”Read statement
David Morales outlines a plan to seek a 4% rent cap and later enforcement
“In January, I intend to work with the city council when they reintroduce the rent stabilization ordinance.”Read statement
Share or embed this statement
The embed keeps its attribution link to The Dispute Index. Credit the image to The Dispute Index and link to the statement page.
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- David Talan argues that rent control would deter new construction
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/events/7195-talan-argues-that-rent-control-would-deter-construction
Last updated marks the most recent saved version of this published statement.
The Dispute Index. "David Talan argues that rent control would deter new construction". First published: 2026-10-29. Last updated: 2026-10-29. https://disputeindex.com/events/7195-talan-argues-that-rent-control-would-deter-construction