Richard Lawson

Richard Lawson

Journalist/writer/storyteller

Richard Lawson is an award-winning journalist on housing and adaptive reuse.

The New Geography Of The U.S. New-Home Affordability Crisis

Marketing & Sales

The New Geography Of The U.S. New-Home Affordability Crisis

The widening affordability gap is hitting hardest in unexpected places, with Mountain West cities experiencing the steepest price hikes. A new ULI index reveals how these overlooked metros struggle to keep up with demand, reshaping the geography of housing challenges in America.

Policy Whiplash Fogs Housing Outlook: The Uncertainty Effect

Policy

Policy Whiplash Fogs Housing Outlook: The Uncertainty Effect

As housing stakeholders -- in a bid to "bend the arc" of policy to spark housing development -- pursue standing among Trump priorities, an economist foresees a return of higher inflation and further harm to those interests.

Affordability Gap Widens But Sales Go On. Who's Buying? Who’s Sidelined?

Leadership

Affordability Gap Widens But Sales Go On. Who's Buying? Who’s Sidelined?

Affordability challenges persist despite lower mortgage rates; wealthier buyers dominate sales while entry-level demand struggles amid rising home prices, monthly payment, and downpayment challenges.

Rebuilding After LA's Wildfires: Choose Resilience Over Speed

Building Resilience

Rebuilding After LA's Wildfires: Choose Resilience Over Speed

California’s rush to rebuild raises tough questions: Should fast-track rebuilding replicate past risks? We begin our Building Resilience series by exploring how homebuilders, policymakers, and communities can build safer, longer-lasting homes come what may.

'Missing Middle' Gains Ground As Localities Face Housing Dearth

Policy

'Missing Middle' Gains Ground As Localities Face Housing Dearth

Washington state’s sweeping zoning reform signals momentum for restoring housing options that were once common but have since been zoned out of existence. As home prices soar and housing shortages deepen, localities face legal hurdles and community pushback as they strive to add density solutions.

The New Geography Of The U.S. New-Home Affordability Crisis

Marketing & Sales

The New Geography Of The U.S. New-Home Affordability Crisis

The widening affordability gap is hitting hardest in unexpected places, with Mountain West cities experiencing the steepest price hikes. A new ULI index reveals how these overlooked metros struggle to keep up with demand, reshaping the geography of housing challenges in America.

Policy Whiplash Fogs Housing Outlook: The Uncertainty Effect

Policy

Policy Whiplash Fogs Housing Outlook: The Uncertainty Effect

As housing stakeholders -- in a bid to "bend the arc" of policy to spark housing development -- pursue standing among Trump priorities, an economist foresees a return of higher inflation and further harm to those interests.

Affordability Gap Widens But Sales Go On. Who's Buying? Who’s Sidelined?

Leadership

Affordability Gap Widens But Sales Go On. Who's Buying? Who’s Sidelined?

Affordability challenges persist despite lower mortgage rates; wealthier buyers dominate sales while entry-level demand struggles amid rising home prices, monthly payment, and downpayment challenges.

Rebuilding After LA's Wildfires: Choose Resilience Over Speed

Building Resilience

Rebuilding After LA's Wildfires: Choose Resilience Over Speed

California’s rush to rebuild raises tough questions: Should fast-track rebuilding replicate past risks? We begin our Building Resilience series by exploring how homebuilders, policymakers, and communities can build safer, longer-lasting homes come what may.

'Missing Middle' Gains Ground As Localities Face Housing Dearth

Policy

'Missing Middle' Gains Ground As Localities Face Housing Dearth

Washington state’s sweeping zoning reform signals momentum for restoring housing options that were once common but have since been zoned out of existence. As home prices soar and housing shortages deepen, localities face legal hurdles and community pushback as they strive to add density solutions.