January 18, 2024

The US Supreme Court will hear a case challenging city ordinances on public camping, potentially reshaping national homelessness policy. Originating in Grants Pass, Oregon, the laws limiting sleeping in public spaces violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. The outcome may affect how states address rising homelessness, particularly in the West.

Factory-built housing is often hailed as a solution to the housing shortage, yet many modular housing companies struggle, with some recently going bankrupt. Some failures may be from a lack of expertise, and both restrictive regulations and stigma against factory-built homes that can impede growth. Despite government efforts to cut red tape, consistent demand, high transportation costs, and decentralized construction pose significant obstacles.

A recent study found that people spending a significant portion of their income on rent face higher health risks and increased mortality rates, even when controlling for individual and neighborhood characteristics. The research also linked experiencing an eviction and the threat of eviction with higher mortality rates. Chronic stress from rising rents can lead to physical and mental health issues, including heart disease and hypertension.

Chicago-based real estate investor Sean O’Dowd’s Scholastic Capital fund plans to buy and rent out 250 single-family homes in midwestern zip codes with top-performing and highly sought-after schools over the next 10 years. The fund leverages the demand for homes in top school zones, offering families a rental option.