A federal judge on Tuesday ruled against the Trump administration as it seeks to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by refusing to fund it. The judge ordered the administration to continue to seek funding for the bureau, which was created by Congress but is funded through the Federal Reserve. The Trump administration […]
Federal judge orders Trump administration to seek money for CFPB Read More »
Affordability has become the defining test of political electability today. From housing to groceries, voters increasingly judge candidates by their ability to reduce everyday costs. Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) focused on improving affordability during her campaign. To follow through, she rolled out a housing agenda that leans heavily on preservation of existing affordable homes,
Spanberger unveils Virginia housing affordability plan Read More »
A recent Cato Institute survey of 2,000 adults found strong bipartisan support for creating an independent, nonpartisan commission with authority to address Social Security’s long-term funding shortfall. Seventy-one percent of respondents said they favor Congress establishing such a body, reflecting broad frustration with lawmakers and growing openness to an alternative decision-making process. Support cuts across
Poll finds broad support for independent Social Security commission Read More »
President Donald Trump’s new executive order that creates a single federal framework for artificial intelligence (AI) is reverberating throughout the housing industry. While states have been moving to regulate AI tools used in home pricing, marketing, tenant screening and mortgage decisions, the new order asserts federal authority over AI regulation. The Department of Justice (DOJ)
Will federal AI regulations override state housing efforts? Read More »
Key insight: The Federal Reserve is loosening its reins on crypto activities allowed for banks, with particular attention paid to noninsured state-chartered banks. What’s at stake: Custodia, a special purpose depository institution, has been engaged in a lawsuit against the Fed over the central bank’s denial of Custodia’s application for a master account. Expert quote: “I cannot agree
Fed rescinds Biden-era crypto guidance Read More »
The Housing for the 21st Century Act advanced in the House on Wednesday after a markup by the Financial Services Committee, setting the stage for a potential floor vote in early 2026. Lawmakers also unanimously passed a separate bill extending the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). H.R. 5577 extends the program through
Housing for the 21st Century Act clears House committee, heads to floor vote Read More »
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is proposing changes to rules under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) to clarify lenders’ responsibilities on issues including disparate impact, discouragement of applicants and special purpose credit programs (SPCPs) that industry leaders say could hurt women’s ability to get a mortgage loan in their own name. The comment
CFPB’s ECOA proposal raises alarms over women’s ability to get a mortgage Read More »
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Thursday that it is opening an investigation into the city of Boston’s housing policies, examining perceived discrimination against white residents. In a letter to Mayor Michelle Wu, Craig Trainor — HUD’s assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity — said city officials had prioritized people
Nonprofit organizations say the Trump administration has dramatically scaled back fair lending oversight — and they’re stepping in to fill the void. In its latest move, the Department of Justice (DOJ) this week announced the rescission of disparate-impact liability from its Title VI regulations, while other parts of the federal government have reduced enforcement of
Nonprofits launch fair lending tip lines as federal oversight wanes Read More »
A surge in Sun Belt in-migration for well over a decade blessed Georgia with population growth that prompted a spate of apartment and home construction. Despite a heavy dose of added supply in the past few years, there was no catching up. The state still has a housing shortage, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Georgia lawmakers aim to speed housing permits for affordability Read More »