Canada announces a new federal agency to build affordable housing. Well, here’s the scoop. It seems like the government is trying to tackle the housing crisis, which, let’s be honest, is a pretty pressing issue. But the question is, how? Unfortunately, from the sound of it, this new agency is leaning heavily on private enterprise to get the job done. And that, my friends, is where things get a little tricky. We’ve seen this song and dance before, with the feds and Ontario giving it a go for years, and the results haven’t exactly been stellar.
You see, when you hand over the reins to private companies, especially when it comes to handling public funds, the incentives can get a bit… skewed.… Continue reading
Here’s a summarized version:
The city of Detroit is facing a critical shortage of affordable housing units, disproportionately impacting low-income residents and exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities. This scarcity is driven by a combination of factors, including rising construction costs, limited government subsidies, and increased demand due to population growth. Consequently, many Detroiters are struggling to find suitable and affordable places to live, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this housing crisis.
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An investigation reveals that the deployment of the National Guard to address homelessness in Washington, D.C., is significantly more expensive than providing affordable housing. The estimated daily cost of the military deployment, involving nearly 2,100 troops, exceeds $1.1 million. Conversely, providing affordable housing for all homeless individuals in D.C. would cost approximately $255,166, a fraction of the military expenditure. Despite the costly deployment and arrests, research suggests that providing housing actually reduces crime, while the administration simultaneously seeks to cut funding for public housing initiatives.
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Former President Donald Trump has called for the immediate removal of unhoused individuals from Washington, D.C., vowing to make the capital safer and more beautiful. This follows his executive order that allows law enforcement to displace and institutionalize homeless people. His plans for the unhoused include institutionalization and forced substance use treatment, proposals which come amid the Supreme Court’s decision allowing cities to ban sleeping outdoors. Furthermore, Trump-backed proposals in Congress threaten to cut affordable housing funds, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands more Americans without stable housing.
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A recent poll conducted by Zenith Research and Public Progress Solutions shows Zohran Mamdani leading the field of five candidates with 50% of the vote. The combined support for other candidates, including Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, along with undecided voters, totaled 49%. The poll, surveying 1,453 New York City residents, demonstrates the largest sample size of publicly released data for the general election thus far. Notably, Mamdani’s support increases in scenarios excluding certain opponents, and the poll highlights key voter concerns such as housing costs, cost of living, and crime.
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Real estate investors are increasing their share of U.S. home purchases, with nearly 27% of homes sold in the first quarter of the year going to investors, the highest in at least five years. This increase reflects a broader slowdown in the housing market, as rising prices and high borrowing costs deter traditional buyers. Investors purchased 265,000 homes during this period, a modest increase from the previous year, and are able to do so by utilizing cash or existing home equity. While mom-and-pop investors dominate the market, there are signs large institutional investors are scaling back purchases.
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As of June 1st, over 18,000 Ukrainians have received housing certificates totaling UAH 27.3 billion for destroyed homes, with approximately 11,000 individuals using the certificates to purchase real estate. Additionally, around 90,000 Ukrainians have received compensation for damaged property, amounting to over UAH 9 billion, with payments categorized for minor and major repairs. The Anti-Corruption Headquarters highlights the importance of establishing a public Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property to centralize and make accessible information on applications and compensation, while safeguarding personal data. The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development also received funds to pay for housing certificates for IDPs.
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Senator Mike Lee’s proposed bill, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” would mandate the sale of 2.2 to 3.3 million acres of public land in the American West to supposedly fund affordable housing. The proposal has faced significant bipartisan opposition, with critics questioning its effectiveness in addressing the housing crisis and expressing concerns about the loss of public access to these lands. A map released by The Wilderness Society highlighted the potential scope of land sales, prompting Lee to label it misleading, while the Society defended its accuracy. This plan has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, environmental groups, and the public.
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Simultaneous protests against mass tourism erupted across Spain, Italy, and Portugal, fueled by concerns over unaffordable housing, increased living costs, and the disruption of city life. Demonstrations, including one in Barcelona where protesters were encouraged to use water pistols against tourists, highlight the growing tension between residents and the influx of visitors. Organizers cite the negative impacts of overtourism on local culture and businesses, pushing residents out of their neighborhoods due to rising housing prices. The protests come amidst a backdrop of record-breaking tourism numbers in Spain and across Europe.
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In response to World War I, the U.S. government created the United States Housing Corporation, which, between 1918 and 1920, built over 80 planned communities across the nation to house nearly 100,000 workers. These developments, incorporating principles of the Garden City movement, prioritized not just shelter but also community design, including parks, schools, and shops, and emphasized single-family homes, many of which were eventually sold to residents. The Corporation also established national planning and design standards, influencing subsequent housing projects and urban planning practices. Despite its short lifespan, the initiative’s impact on American housing and urban development remains visible today.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker