That is all that is allowed due to local and state zoning codes. Loosening restrictions on what can be built will bring down costs and all for more types of buildings. The bland housing is all that pencils out for builders at the moment.
Other political leaders might hesitate to follow such footsteps.
"affordable housing" is the same thing as "luxury housing" asides from the rent
sure, you could allow less restrictive builds so that you only get a room with no bathroom or kitchen for $4k but thats not actually better