The Wall Street Journal implies a take on the U.S. economy that might make some urbanists uncomfortable: more single-family construction is necessary for a full economic recovery.
Kris Hudson and Nick Timiraos pen a speculative post for the Wall Street Journal that explores the effect of the U.S. housing market on the country's economy, especially given what the article describes as sluggish construction of single-family homes. The rhetorical question that frames the article: "The U.S. housing market dragged the economy into a deep recession nearly eight years ago. Could it now insulate the domestic expansion during a fragile period of global growth?"
"The problem: Housing still isn’t contributing much to overall economic growth because new construction of single-family homes, which packs an outsize economic punch, is stuck near levels hit during the early 1990s recession."
The article goes on to explore details of the market's current reality, and its relationship the realities of the larger economy.
FULL STORY: Why a Stronger Housing Sector Isn’t Boosting the U.S. Economy That Much
Single-Family Home Prices Cool, Rents Continue to Rise
Despite a slowdown in the single-family market, record-high rents show no signs of dropping.
Local, State Governments Creating Obstacles for Institutional Investors on the Housing Market
Large Wall Street investors are increasing their footprint in the housing market, like they did after the Great Recession, and some local and state governments are inventing new ways to prevent these institutional investors from cornering the market.
Single-Family Homes Appearing Faster Than Any Year Since 2006
The housing construction market is responding to strong demand with a glut of new single-family homes.
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?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA
Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.
New York MTA Says No More Borrowing, Will Cut Costs Instead
The agency says it won’t take out any new loans to finance its planned improvements and is finding other ways to cut costs.
Research: More Complex Streets Are Safer
Streets that offer more perceived obstacles and distractions can force drivers to slow down and drive more carefully.
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
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