In this piece from Reason Samuel Staley argues that the housing crisis can't be fully blamed for the economic recession.
"The housing industry simply can't live up to its reputation as a major driver of the U.S. economy. The housing industry's woes are really a symptom of larger economic problems, not the cause of a recession or downturn.
This observation may seem a bit odd. After all, economists at the National Association of Homebuilders estimate that the economic value produced by the housing industry may represent as much as 15 percent of the national economy. Every new home generates about $80,000 in new wages and 2.4 new jobs in construction and related industries. These are impressive numbers.
So, when the nation's largest mortgage lender, Countrywide, decides to sell out to Bank of America in the wake of record high foreclosure rates, and large homebuilders such as Levitt and Sons and KB Homes are either in bankruptcy or teetering on the edge, the economy has to suffer. Doesn't it?
Yes, but not in ways that would prompt an economic recession."
FULL STORY: Is Housing "Crisis" Causing a Recession?
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?
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Local Governments Sue HUD Over Funding Cuts
A new lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s revised guidelines for housing and homelessness assistance funds will decimate key programs.
California Is Retooling its AV Guidelines
The California DMV is proposing a new framework for light- and heavy-duty self-driving trucks that would enhance reporting requirements and pave the way for autonomous commercial fleets.
Proposed Boulder Ballot Measures Call for Impact Fees, Affordable Duplexes
Boulder residents are working to put two housing-related proposals on the November ballot.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions