Tariffs, Timber And Time For Change

America’s housing crisis is nothing new, but the forces behind it are changing fast. Whether you talk to first-time buyers in Washington DC or families renting in Boston or Los Angeles, the story is the same: too few homes, prices climbing, and affordable options disappearing fast. Housing shortfall estimates range from 3 to 5 million units, with Freddie Mac and Brookings both sounding the alarm.

Now, as the Trump Administration threatens declaration of a national housing emergency (an act that isn't likely to solve the housing crisis), there are more questions than answers. Why levy steep new tariffs on critical building materials like lumber, steel, gypsum, and even kitchen cabinets? They make building a home, or renovating one, a lot more expensive, and just when we can least afford it.