A new portal for guest columnists offers industry pros, manufacturers, and creative thinkers a place to share their road map to a better world.
Few would disagree with the idea that the U.S. economy—and along with it the homebuilding industry—have entered a period of dramatic change. Whether you see the times we live in as dangerous and uncertain, or a “no pain no gain” necessary transition, can you imagine a better future, one in which the dust has settled, and the housing industry is stable, resilient, and respected?
If so, what does that look like?
Maybe you’ve got a radical idea to share. For example, you’d like to see a complete rollback of current zoning, historic preservation, and other “NIMBY” regulations that make building homes nearly impossible in your region. Or maybe you think we’re building housing with the “wrong” materials. You think we should fully embrace hempcrete or reinforced concrete block or 3D printing.
What other things could be done to make homes more affordable, yet still durable and energy efficient?
Try to spell out your solutions in simple terms: For example, to solve labor woes, maybe you think we should create a special work visa specifically for short-term housing laborers. This fast-tracked “blue card” gives them temporary citizenship in the United States for the duration of a housing project, provided they spell out the parameters. Or perhaps you believe that if modular housing factories got the same tax breaks as churches and schools, the panelized construction business would take off.
We’re not looking for rants about everything that’s wrong with the world or playing the “blame game.” Clearly, a lot of things in the shelter industry need a rethink. A perfect storm of labor shortages, material costs, regulations, and high interest rates are suppressing the ability to build housing quickly and affordably.
We have so many roadblocks to overcome or go around. What’s the best way to bring down land costs? Can home insurance be made more affordable? Maybe you have a brilliant solution to replace property taxes?
Give us your best shot. We’ve set up a special online portal where you can upload your brief manifesto, along with a bio photo and an image, if applicable, illustrating your piece. While I can’t guarantee we’ll run every entry, we will read your piece and give it a fair chance at publication.
I’m looking forward to hearing some groundbreaking ideas from the trenches. Please share your thoughts and inspiration.
Veteran journalist Matt Power has reported on innovation and sustainability in housing for nearly three decades. An award-winning writer, editor, and filmmaker, he has a long history of asking hard questions and adding depth and context as he unfolds complex issues.
Green Builder Invites Readers to “Sound Off”
A new portal for guest columnists offers industry pros, manufacturers, and creative thinkers a place to share their road map to a better world.
Few would disagree with the idea that the U.S. economy—and along with it the homebuilding industry—have entered a period of dramatic change. Whether you see the times we live in as dangerous and uncertain, or a “no pain no gain” necessary transition, can you imagine a better future, one in which the dust has settled, and the housing industry is stable, resilient, and respected?
If so, what does that look like?
Maybe you’ve got a radical idea to share. For example, you’d like to see a complete rollback of current zoning, historic preservation, and other “NIMBY” regulations that make building homes nearly impossible in your region. Or maybe you think we’re building housing with the “wrong” materials. You think we should fully embrace hempcrete or reinforced concrete block or 3D printing.
What other things could be done to make homes more affordable, yet still durable and energy efficient?
Try to spell out your solutions in simple terms: For example, to solve labor woes, maybe you think we should create a special work visa specifically for short-term housing laborers. This fast-tracked “blue card” gives them temporary citizenship in the United States for the duration of a housing project, provided they spell out the parameters. Or perhaps you believe that if modular housing factories got the same tax breaks as churches and schools, the panelized construction business would take off.
We’re not looking for rants about everything that’s wrong with the world or playing the “blame game.” Clearly, a lot of things in the shelter industry need a rethink. A perfect storm of labor shortages, material costs, regulations, and high interest rates are suppressing the ability to build housing quickly and affordably.
We have so many roadblocks to overcome or go around. What’s the best way to bring down land costs? Can home insurance be made more affordable? Maybe you have a brilliant solution to replace property taxes?
Give us your best shot. We’ve set up a special online portal where you can upload your brief manifesto, along with a bio photo and an image, if applicable, illustrating your piece. While I can’t guarantee we’ll run every entry, we will read your piece and give it a fair chance at publication.
I’m looking forward to hearing some groundbreaking ideas from the trenches. Please share your thoughts and inspiration.
By Matt Power, Editor-In-Chief
Veteran journalist Matt Power has reported on innovation and sustainability in housing for nearly three decades. An award-winning writer, editor, and filmmaker, he has a long history of asking hard questions and adding depth and context as he unfolds complex issues.Also Read