Financial analysts and members of the real estate industry are worried that, if the U.S. government doesn't resolve the debt ceiling crisis soon, an already fragile housing market will be dealt a serious blow, and with it the entire U.S. economy.
NPR looks at how the ongoing struggle between President Obama and the Republicans is affecting the economy, particularly housing. The concern is that if it appears that the U.S. is going to default on its debt, then the global marketplace will abandon U.S. treasuries.
Reporter Chris Arnold summarizes:
"Here's how this would work: If the debt ceiling isn't raised, the U.S. Treasury could default on its debts. The Treasury says it would run out of the money it needs to make payments on some of its Treasury bonds...[then] investors could demand higher interest rates to loan the U.S. government money. But it could also drive up interest rates for all kinds of things, including home loans. If Treasuries are no longer sacred, what about home loans that are guaranteed by the government-backed mortgage firms Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? [A]nother crash in housing could bring the banking system with it. An actual default on Treasury bonds could be even worse."
FULL STORY: Debt Drama Could Be Another Blow To Housing
The Historical Effect of Pandemics on the Economy and the Housing Market
Research into previous pandemics, like SARS in 2003, the Spanish Flu in 1918, and the early months of COVID-19 in China, offers insight into what to expect for the economy and the housing market during and after the current pandemic.
The Architecture Billings Index Was Strong on the Eve of the Pandemic
The Architecture Billings Index in February 2020 could lend hope in the current economic climate, or it could set a benchmark for a future recovery.
Changes in Houston Over the Last Decade
Comparing Houston in 2010 to the city today reveals a variety of transportation, infrastructure, and economic changes.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service