Politics

Will federal AI regulations override state housing efforts?

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) […]

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Fed rescinds Biden-era crypto guidance

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

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CFPB’s ECOA proposal raises alarms over women’s ability to get a mortgage

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

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HUD investigating Boston housing policies, alleging discrimination against white residents

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

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U.S. House unveils Housing for the 21st Century Act

The Housing for the 21st Century Act — the U.S. House’s version of the Senate-approved ROAD to Housing Act — was unveiled Wednesday. Led by sponsors including Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Chairman Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), legislation aims to boost housing development and improve affordability

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Nonprofits launch fair lending tip lines as federal oversight wanes

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

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Georgia lawmakers aim to speed housing permits for affordability

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.

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Coalition presses for stronger federal flood response, eyes ROAD to Housing Act

A new multi-state coalition is warning that worsening floods across Appalachia — and the federal government’s uneven response — are heightening risks for communities, infrastructure and real estate markets across the region. The Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition recently convened for the first time to examine Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding fights, stalled mitigation programs

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Housing falls out of must-pass defense spending package

Key insight: The NDAA is one of Congress’ few must-pass measures, and has always attracted a raft of financial and other policy-realm riders. What’s at stake: The housing package would cut red tape for housing construction and let state and local governments use government funds to promote housing supply.  Forward look: House banking committee Chairman

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Housing affordability dominates California gubernatorial race

California has made significant efforts to address housing affordability through numerous new laws under Gov. Gavin Newsom. Candidates seeking to replace the term-limited Newsom, however, act as if little has been accomplished. The laws lacked swift, decisive enforcement to push the affordable goal, according to California billionaire Tom Steyer, a former presidential candidate and the

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