Does Fannie Mae's unique position as a quasiofficial company give it an unfair advantage against private business? Perhaps, but it's a formidable political force.
"Why has the company proved so impregnable? Fannie Mae says the reason is simple: It has won the substantive debate, convincing policy makers that the benefits from its rapid expansion -- wider home-ownership -- outweigh any downside.But that isn't the whole story. The other part: Fannie Mae has built one of Washington's most potent political machines, one that has unique features to sway legislators. Over the past year that machine has gone into overdrive."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: How Fannie Mae Beat Effort By Adversaries to Rein It In

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health
A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.

Report Outlines Strategies for Resilient Wildfire Recovery in LA
Project Recovery offers a roadmap for rebuilding more sustainable and climate-resilient communities after wildfires and other disasters.

New Executive Order Renews Attack on Public Lands
An order issued late last week pushes for increased mineral extraction on federally owned public lands.
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