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Anyone following politics in Hudson, NY, in recent months will have heard their fair share of bogus claims.
That so many believe them shows how populist narratives, about greedy developers and outsider threats, can distort the truth on housing affordability.
Just a few months ago Mayor Kamal said at a public meeting, repeatedly, that there are "no single bedroom apartments in Hudson under $3k"... when in fact there are dozens, and Zumper and other listing services show an average price of $1,800. In fact, the average 2 bedroom price hovers around $2,655.
The mayor was fact-checked on the spot in front of Hudson's Fair Housing Officer, but he is yet to correct the record. His romantic relationship with Hudson's Housing Justice Director, who ultimately reports to him, has not improved his knowledge of housing data.
Unpicking these and other false beliefs once they take root is hard. But better data, transparency, and a little humility may help.
Will Peter Spear and Joe Ferris stand up for factfullness?
References:
https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/hudson-ny
Disclosures: Some of Hudson Common Sense's editors have invested in companies referenced.
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Last edited/updated:
August 4th, 2025
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