New data from the Commerce Department reveals that more than 1 million residential building permits were issued last month. Though construction activity has reached a 5-year high, economists caution that other data indicates rates are slowing.
"[Residential] Building permits in October were up 6.2% from the month before, reaching 1,034,000, government figures show. That's up 13.9% from October of last year." According to Ricardo Lopes, "the building permits data are a good barometer of the overall state of residential construction, which has been strong over the past year."
The Commerce Department's data also indicates the growing strength of the multi-family market. "Single-family home permits slowed to 620,000, the report said. Meanwhile, multi-family housing permits jumped 15.3% in October from the month before, reaching 414,000."
FULL STORY: U.S. residential building permits reach 1 million, a 5-year high
(A Lot) More Homebuyers Paying Cash
Interest rates on mortgages increased over the summer, and lenders are still holding back on loans, but the cause of the surge in all-cash home sales is a cause for concern for the long-term health of the housing market.
What’s in a Name? Investors vs. Speculators
We don’t often make a clear distinction between investors and speculators, which makes it harder to identify harmful behavior — and to find solutions for it.
Fannie Mae Economists Predict Slow Housing Market in 2025
A December report forecasts a continued “lock-in effect” due to high mortgage rates and a low production of multifamily housing.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions