housing shortages
Coverage of housing shortages in the Nexus archive.
- To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums
Cities and states are reducing or eliminating parking minimums to address housing shortages, with over 34 laws enacted since 2019 and 116 cities removing requirements. Critics argue this could worsen congestion and affordability, while supporters claim it lowers development costs and eases housing crises.
- Housing starts sink to pandemic levels as builders worry about inflation
Housing starts in May fell to pandemic levels, reaching an annual rate of 1.17 million, an 8.5% drop since May 2025. Builder confidence has declined due to higher material and financing costs, with significant declines in the South and West, while the Northeast and Midwest saw increases. Housing completions also dropped 14.2% from May 2025, and new permits showed mixed results across regions.
- Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off in California governor’s race
Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton will compete in California's governor's race. Hilton, a Fox News commentator backed by Donald Trump, advanced to the general election, while Becerra, a former state attorney general and health secretary under Joe Biden, will face him. The race highlights tensions between maintaining liberal policies and seeking change in a state with significant economic and social challenges.