National Housing Center to Induct Jerry Howard into Housing Hall of Fame

Education How Project Managers Can Effectively Set Expectations to Find Success

Hone your management skills in an upcoming Nov. 12 live online course titled “Project Controls Fundamentals: Monitoring Scope, Cost and Time” from 1-4 p.m. ET.

Codes and Standards What a Building Code Study Gets Wrong About Housing Affordability

A working paper from researchers at the University of Alabama concludes that when a jurisdiction adopts new residential building codes, it has no effect on the sales prices of homes. But a close technical review reveals that the study’s policy conclusions go well beyond what its analysis can establish.

Economics Homeownership Rate Rises to 65.5%

The latest homeownership rate reached 65.5% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). While this was a modest quarterly decrease, the broader picture continues to reflect significant affordability challenges.

Economics Fed Holds Rates, With Two Votes for Another Hike

The Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds rate at a target range of 3.75% to 4% at the conclusion of its October policy meeting. Approved by a 10–2 vote, the decision followed September’s quarter-point increase. Federal Open Market Committee members Lisa Cook and Beth Hammack dissented, supporting another 25-basis-point increase for October.

Economics Affordability Challenges Push New Home Sales Lower

High mortgage rates and economic uncertainty continued to keep potential home buyers on the sidelines and constrain new home sales in September. New home sales declined from August and remained below year-ago levels, with year-to-date sales also lagging for 2025.