Houston's housing market is chugging along, although one of the area's key industries is struggling.
"Houston-area home sales were stronger than ever in July, demonstrating a striking resilience in the face of stubbornly low oil prices that threaten jobs in the region's dominant industry for the foreseeable future," report Nancy Sarnoff.
"Buyers closed on an estimated 8,147 single-family homes last month, the Houston Association of Realtors said in a report released Wednesday. That's the most on record, underscoring the dichotomy between housing and oil that became evident after oil prices started slipping last summer and local energy companies began cutting jobs and spending. Demand for homes also continues to outstrip supply."
The article describes more about housing's resilience compared to the downturn in the oil industry. In some anecdotes about experiences navigating the market, including from one potential buyer hoping that prices will ease. Sarnoff also notes the growing concern that the city's housing supply is not keeping up with the demand.
FULL STORY: Housing remains resilient as oil doldrums continue
How Houston Can Be a Model for Housing Reform
The city builds more new housing than almost any other and has dramatically reduced homelessness, yet low-income families struggle to find affordable housing.
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.
Report: How Billionaire Buyers Are Making the Housing Crisis Worse
The financialization of the housing sector is driving up costs for ordinary families and keeping available units off the market.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
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.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)