Urbanexus Update - Issue #48
Please scroll down for the weekly compilation of analysis, reporting and opinion about real estate and community development. Some links may lead to material that is behind a paywall.
The economy and capital
Despite a strong U.S. job market, GDP growth will slow now that the tailwind from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has largely dissipated, predicts Michael Fratantoni, chief economist with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Household debt — www.calculatedriskblog.com
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data today issued its Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, which shows that total household debt increased by $32 billion (0.2%) to $13.54 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Interest rates on construction loans — eyeonhousing.org
Interest rates on loans for residential acquisition, development, and construction (AD&C) generally increased throughout 2018.
Metropolitan areas
Overstating 'suburban decline' — www.planetizen.com While suburbs are changing, that doesn't mean they are declining, according to recently published research.
Why midsized metro areas deserve attention A case on why efforts to create geographically broader-based economic prosperity should focus particular attention on midsized metro areas.
How tech may let some people live anywhere
Thanks to new, innovative technologies, Julio Gil says people will move out of big cities and into the countryside.
Land use and community development
Zoning Is the USA's local version of crony capitalism
When people hear “crony capitalism,” they usually envision corporatist policy at the higher levels of government. But perhaps the most common form is zoning codes. Some codes have evolved from reasonable public protections into regulatory cobwebs that benefit the rich over the poor.
Millennials struggle to find homes
With more seniors than ever aging in place and choosing not to sell the family home, an estimated 1.6 million fewer properties are now available in a market already experiencing a critical shortage, according to Freddie Mac.
Why mother-In-laws (apartments) matter
Communicating the many community benefits of ADUs and DADUs--accessory dwelling units also known as backyard cottages and mother-in-law apartments From economic security and affordability to sustainability,
Lidding a major highway to create real estate
University of Washington College of Built Environments graduate students in the Autumn 2018 real estate development studio led by Alan Levine studied lidding a significant portion of a major highway (I-5) where it slices through downtown Seattle.
Perspective on Amazon’s abandonment of NYC
Amazon’s decision to abandon New York City—leaving a $3 billion goodie bag of incentives on the table—represents a break in the progressive alliance between an increasingly radicalized Left and the new technocratic elite.
Groundbreaking for The Grand — archpaper.com
Related’s long awaited Grand will rise across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.
People
A real estate leader — campaign.r20.constantcontact.com
Innovation, passion, and real estate are in Lucy Billingsley's blood.
Environment
What will your city's weather feel like in 60 years? Within your child or grandchild's lifetime, the weather may be dramatically different because of climate change. The past five years have already been the hottest on record for our planet, but based on new projections, it's going to get a lot hotter for the 250 million people living in North American cities.