The Houston Chronicle investigates the Houston-Area real estate market, finding signs of the oil slump's effect on a formerly hot market.

"Houston-area home sales fell 8.8 percent in July, the most severe decline since last winter and a sign that the oil slump finally may be catching up with the housing market," reports Nancy Sarnoff.
"The July drop follows months of relative stability in the property market, which defied the impact of low crude prices that have bankrupt scores of energy companies and resulted in layoffs across the region," adds Sarnoff.
So far, local economic efforts are describing the trend as a yellow flag, but that could change to a red flag if the year-over-year drop continues for a few more months.
FULL STORY: Houston housing market takes summertime hit

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.
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