The Urban Land Institute has released a report highlighting the urgent need for increased housing supply to combat escalating unaffordability. The crisis, influenced by factors such as climate change, immigration policies, the pandemic, and local land-use regulations, was discussed at a presentation in Kalispell on January 17. Attendees included bankers, real estate agents, residents, developers, and nonprofit representatives. Presenters from the institute examined regional post-pandemic housing challenges and forecasted trends for the 2025 real estate market. They emphasized that while household numbers are rising, housing units are not keeping pace, leading to significant pressures on both rental and purchase markets.
Housing shortages have become a pressing issue across the United States, with various factors contributing to the current crisis. Rosie Hepner, Vice President of the Urban Land Institute’s Terwilliger Center for Housing, explained during a recent presentation in Kalispell that multiple elements are converging to create this challenging scenario. Climate change, shifts in immigration policy, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and stringent local land-use regulations all play crucial roles. Hepner noted that for a healthy housing market, there should be one new unit added per new household. However, most areas are failing to meet this benchmark, leading to increased pressure on both rental and purchase markets.
In response to these challenges, policy solutions include implementing zoning reforms, making small regulatory adjustments, and utilizing vacant or underutilized land. According to the Home Attainability Index for 2024, these measures aim to alleviate some of the strain on housing markets. Notably, Kalispell ranked third nationally for the largest increase in new home costs between 2020 and 2023, with median monthly mortgages rising from approximately $1,538 to $2,368—a 54% increase. This trend is mirrored in other tourist destinations like Bozeman, Boise City, Coeur d'Alene, and Idaho Falls.
Erica Wirtala, Public Affairs Director for the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors, pointed out that Flathead County faces unique challenges due to limited developable space—only 30% of the county can be developed—and the influx of second homes driven by its status as a tourist destination. Kim Morisaki, Executive Director of the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, added that the shortage of starter homes complicates efforts to retain employees who cannot afford to live in the area. With a median home price around $530,000 and only 36 homes available between $300,000 and $400,000, the situation is particularly dire.
The pandemic exacerbated these issues, especially in resort communities where higher earners relocated, driving up prices. Affordable housing initiatives, such as modular homes, offer potential solutions. Molly McCabe, CEO of HaydenTanner, presented findings from the Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2025 report, which surveyed over 2,000 industry experts. McCabe highlighted that climate change's impact on real estate has been more significant than anticipated, influencing migration patterns northward. Additionally, she warned that restricting immigration could lead to labor shortages, impacting housing and commercial spaces.
To address these multifaceted challenges, innovative approaches like engineered wood in modular home designs, proposed by Ben Kaiser of LSW Architects, present promising solutions. These materials are structurally robust, environmentally friendly, and well-insulated, offering a viable path forward. Ultimately, solving the housing crisis requires a comprehensive strategy that considers economic, environmental, and social factors, ensuring sustainable growth and affordability for all.
The state of Utah is making rapid strides towards addressing its housing affordability crisis. Following Governor Spencer Cox’s State of the State address, where he announced an ambitious goal to construct 35,000 affordable starter homes within four years, construction has already begun in Plain City. The initiative requires collaboration between builders, municipalities, and developers to streamline zoning, land acquisition, and entitlement processes. Jed Nilson, owner of Nilson Homes, is leading the charge with a focus on creating single-family detached homes that are both affordable and functional, aiming for prices as low as $330,000. This project not only aligns with the governor’s vision but also sets a precedent for future developments across the state.
Building Momentum: First Steps Toward Affordable Housing
Construction efforts have swiftly taken off in Plain City, demonstrating the immediate response to Governor Cox’s call for action. With several starter homes nearing completion, this early progress highlights the urgency and commitment from local builders. Brad Jacobson, a realtor representing Nilson Homes, emphasizes the need for widespread participation from all builders in Utah to meet the ambitious target. Collaboration between various stakeholders, including municipalities and developers, will be crucial to overcoming challenges related to zoning and land availability.
To achieve the governor’s goal, it is estimated that at least 24 additional builders must join forces, each contributing approximately 350 homes annually. This massive undertaking underscores the importance of coordinated efforts and innovative solutions. For instance, Nilson Homes is focusing on constructing compact, fully landscaped homes with optional two-car garages, designed to offer affordability without compromising quality. By setting an example, they hope to inspire other builders to follow suit, ensuring the project’s success.
Innovative Solutions for Affordable Living Spaces
Jed Nilson’s vision for affordable housing goes beyond mere numbers; it aims to create livable and sustainable communities. His approach involves developing single-family detached homes ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet, with features tailored to modern living needs. These homes are designed to be both cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, offering residents a comfortable living environment at an accessible price point. The emphasis on affordability is critical in addressing the growing housing crisis in Utah.
The partnership between Nilson Homes and Governor Cox exemplifies how private enterprise can work hand-in-hand with government initiatives to drive positive change. By targeting a selling price as low as $330,000, Nilson is making homeownership a viable option for more Utah families. Moreover, the timely alignment of their project with the governor’s goals has provided a head start, showcasing the potential for successful collaborations. As the first batch of homes nears completion, the stage is set for a broader movement toward affordable housing across the state, with the hope of achieving the ambitious target of 35,000 homes by the end of the governor’s term.
Banyak destinasi wisata di Indonesia yang pernah menjadi favorit, namun kini harus berhadapan dengan nasib yang kurang menyenangkan. Beberapa faktor telah mempengaruhi penurunan popularitas dan operasional tempat-tempat ini.
Kampung Gajah Wonderland, sebuah area rekreasi yang luas di Kabupaten Bandung Barat, pernah menjadi tujuan utama bagi para pengunjung. Tempat ini menawarkan berbagai atraksi air dan patung-patung gajah yang menghiasi jalanan. Namun, sejak tahun 2017, Kampung Gajah terpaksa tutup karena masalah keuangan. Lokasi yang dulunya ramai kini terasa mencekam dan hampir tidak ada pengunjung, kecuali mereka yang mencari spot foto unik.
Beberapa taman rekreasi lain juga mengalami nasib serupa. Snowbay Water Park di Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) sempat menjadi wahana favorit anak-anak dengan berbagai fasilitas air. Sayangnya, dampak pandemi COVID-19 dan perubahan manajemen TMII membuat Snowbay berhenti beroperasi. Fasilitas-fasilitasnya kini terlihat terbengkalai dan tidak terurus.
Berbagai faktor eksternal juga berperan dalam penutupan Depok Fantasi Waterpark. Tempat ini pernah dikenal dengan nuansa Timur Tengah dan berbagai atraksi air. Namun, pandemi telah membawa akhir bagi tempat ini, yang kini digantikan oleh pembangunan perumahan baru. Di Bali, Taman Festival yang populer pada masa-masa tertentu kini hanya menjadi lokasi wisata horor karena suasana yang mencekam.
Surabaya juga memiliki cerita serupa dengan Taman Remaja Surabaya, yang berdiri sejak 1971 dan memiliki banyak wahana hiburan. Meski sudah ditutup, beberapa warga masih mendengar suara-suara aneh dari dalam taman pada malam hari. Sementara itu, Wonderia di Semarang hanya bertahan tiga tahun sebelum ditutup akibat kecelakaan pada salah satu wahana permainannya.
Peningkatan kesadaran akan pentingnya pemeliharaan dan adaptasi terhadap situasi yang berubah dapat membantu menjaga kelangsungan hidup tempat-tempat wisata. Ini bukan hanya tentang mempertahankan bisnis, tetapi juga tentang melestarikan warisan budaya dan hiburan yang telah memberikan kenangan berharga bagi banyak orang. Dengan pendekatan yang tepat, kita dapat memastikan bahwa generasi mendatang masih dapat menikmati keindahan dan keunikan tempat-tempat tersebut.