Housing
The National Association of Counties (NACo) reports that over 500 bills introduced in 40 states last year contained preemption clauses affecting county land-use authority. Housing supply and affordability motivated 38% of these measures, with California, Arizona, and Washington leading in bill counts. The analysis highlights a growing trend of state legislators reducing local control over housing development, energy projects, and economic development.
New York City's 'pied-à-terre' tax on luxury second homes is moving forward after an appeal stayed a judge's temporary restraining order. The tax, expected to generate $500 million in FY 2027, faces a lawsuit over notice and burden of proof. Other states are also enacting similar taxes.
New research from Rice University's Kinder Institute shows home insurance premiums in Texas have outpaced income growth, pushing more households toward cost burdens and pricing out nearly 50,000 additional buyers with a 10% premium hike.