In this episode of Everyday Economics, we take a closer look at one of the most overlooked drivers of America’s housing affordability crisis: government policy. Homebuilders say government fees, permitting costs, and local regulations are adding tens of thousands — even more than $100,000 — to the cost of a new home before construction even begins. We unpack where those costs come from, how they affect buyers, and why housing shortages are often the result of policy decisions rather than market failures. 🏠 In this episode: 🔹 Why government fees can add over $140,000 to the cost of a new home 🔹 How zoning laws, permitting delays, and regulations reduce housing supply 🔹 Why builders aren’t producing enough homes to meet demand 🔹 How tax policy and migration patterns are reshaping housing markets 🔹 Why affordability challenges are often created by local government decisions We also explore how policy changes in states like California, New York, and New Jersey are driving migration and putting pressure on nearby housing markets — and what that means for home prices in 2026. As always, Everyday Economics breaks down the data behind the headlines so you can better understand what’s happening with housing, affordability, and your financial future.

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In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down what the latest consumer spending and housing data are really telling us about the state of the U.S. economy. Retail sales rose in March and pending home sales posted one of their strongest months in years — but beneath the surface, the picture is more fragile than the headlines suggest. Inflation is still eating into household budgets, higher gas prices are squeezing consumers, and signs of financial strain are beginning to show. 📈 In this episode: 🔹 Why rising retail sales may not mean stronger consumer demand 🔹 How inflation is masking weakness in real consumer spending 🔹 Why pending home sales jumped despite affordability challenges 🔹 What improving housing inventory means for buyers in 2026 🔹 How oil prices and household debt could reshape the second half of the year As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the noise to explain what the latest economic data means for your wallet, your mortgage, and the months ahead.

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In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down the economic reality behind billion-dollar data center deals — and why the headline investment numbers may not mean what taxpayers think they do. States across the country are offering massive tax incentives to attract data centers, AI infrastructure, and other large-scale tech projects. Governors call it economic development, but does the math actually work? We take a closer look at the promises behind these deals: the temporary construction jobs, the long-term employment projections, and the real taxpayer cost behind the incentives. While the projects may sound transformative, the long-term economic benefits may be far smaller than advertised. In this episode: 💰 Why states offer massive tax breaks for data centers 🏗️ The difference between headline investment and real job creation 📉 Why many subsidy deals fail to deliver returns for taxpayers 🤔 The key question states should ask before approving billion-dollar incentives As the race to attract data centers accelerates, taxpayers deserve to know whether these deals create lasting value — or just bigger headlines. Subscribe for more economic analysis that breaks down what the numbers really mean for your wallet.

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