Even with the calmer national forecast for 2026 (see my last blog for more on this), many local leaders are already asking the same question: “If things are stabilizing, why aren’t builders leaning in?” It’s a fair question, especially when your employers are desperate for workers, your families are desperate for affordable homes, and your community has land ready to go. But here’s the truth: Builders still won’t build - not at the price points where the need is greatest - un

Zillow’s 2026 forecast is out, and the headline is simple: The national market is stabilizing, but local markets still won’t fix themselves. National home values are expected to rise only 1.2% , sales will tick up slightly, and rent growth will be mild. On paper, that sounds calm. But if you’re a community trying to produce homes for your workforce or compete for talent, the story underneath the forecast is something else en

By Heather Presley-Cowen The latest housing numbers are in, and national headlines are calling it a buyer’s market . On the surface, that sounds like great news. More inventory. Less bidding-war chaos. A little price flexibility. But community leaders who are serious about solving their local housing shortages need to know the truth beneath the headline: The market is softening… but affordability is not improving. Demand is there… but it’s locked behind financing barriers.

Mission: B.U.I.L.D. stands for Bringing Unprecedented Innovation to Land Development When we hear the phrase “affordable housing,”  most...

We live in a world obsessed with quick wins, viral moments, and the illusion of overnight success. But if you’ve ever tried to build...

The journey to solving the housing crisis is much like the journey of a homebuyer pursuing the dream of homeownership. It requires...

The Forward-Looking Approach to Housing Market Analysis In the quest to address the housing needs of our communities, we frequently...

Tackling Data Dilemmas to Unlock Housing Market Potential In our quest to bridge the gap between housing needs and housing market...

In the realm of housing and community development, "capital stacking" is a term often reserved for the complex layering of financing...

In a world where the dream of homeownership remains elusive for many, banks, financial institutions, and community development...

In the dynamic landscape of housing and finance, Club 720 stands as a beacon of innovation and commitment. With a mission deeply rooted...

Hello, Heather here from Capital Stacker. This week, we're delving into the diverse world of capital sources, a critical topic for any...

In honor of our upcoming Small-Scale Developer Initiative kickoff, I'd like to welcome you to the first installment of a new series where...

In the realm of community development and housing solutions, there's a crucial choice every leader faces: to look back or to look ahead....

In our ongoing Empowered Finance series, we turn our focus to a crucial yet often underleveraged stakeholder in the housing equation –...

In the latest installment of our Empowered Finance series, we delve deep into the world of real estate financing. Our focus is on the...

The role of banks in community development, particularly in housing, is evolving. Traditionally seen as providers of mortgages and...

In the realm of housing and community development, the narrative has long been dominated by a dichotomy of abundance and scarcity. The...

In the heart of community development and service, nonprofit organizations are breaking through traditional boundaries by embracing a...

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has long been a tool for spurring commercial and industrial development. However, its potential for...