The U.S. is facing a housing shortage of in excess of 4 million homes — and most people don’t understand why.

In this episode of Developing Now, Ben LoPiccolo sits down with Wendy Paul, Executive Director of a leading apartment owners association, to break down what’s really happening at the intersection of real estate, housing policy, and community impact.

Wendy shares her path from public service into real estate advocacy, explains how development decisions actually get made, and why access to clear, accurate information is one of the biggest challenges facing property owners and builders today.

Together with Ben, they dive into housing supply, policies that sound good on paper but create unintended consequences, and why building all types of housing matters more than most people realize. They also discuss how outdated regulations, rising costs, and public perception continue to slow new development — even as demand keeps climbing.

Whether you’re a real estate investor, developer, or simply trying to understand why housing costs keep rising, this conversation offers a real-world look at what’s holding housing back — and what it will take to move forward.

U.S. Chamber article: https://www.uschamber.com/economy/the...

👋 Hi, I’m Ben, a real estate developer with over 30 years of experience. I started out as a painter in NYC, gradually learning all the trades before flipping houses in 1998. As I grew in the industry, I transitioned to ground-up construction, taking on unique projects like converting a derelict church into luxury condos and transforming an old gymnasium into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Today, my development company is focused on mid-rise buildings, with projects featuring 70 and 80 units. Now, I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you navigate your own real estate development journey.

Feel free to check out what we are up to.

www.bldgup.com