The U.S. has become a "landlord nation," says Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman. His analysis: fiercely-defended restrictive local zoning laws have cut off supply, dividing those who own from those who rent.

In a call with analysts, Nat Levy writes, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman lamented America's housing supply problem. "No matter what we do to deliver more value to customers, the fundamental problem is that there aren't enough homes to buy," Kelman said.
Especially in popular coastal markets, "Housing inventory is so low right now that Kelman and Redfin now view availability as the number one driver of the housing market. The stock market, wages, interest rates — none of these metrics matter as much as the fact there are no homes for anyone to buy."
Kelman cites restrictive local zoning as the causal factor here: "These laws, supported on the left and right are fiercely defended by well-meaning neighborhood associations that have sometimes started to act as a cartel to limit housing supply and keep prices high [...]"
He goes on, "It's these laws, not market forces, that prevent builders from replacing parking lots, stripmalls and single-family homes with affordable high density condos and townhouses."
FULL STORY: Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman sounds off on housing market, says U.S. has become a ‘landlord nation’

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie