On October 10, The Wall Street Journal published a review of “Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World” by Sara Bronin of Cornell University. The author of the review was Professor Edward Glaeser of Harvard University, surely one of the top housing economists.
I took issue with one of Prof. Glaeser’s points, and commented as follows (in the “Conversations” section following the article.
Prof. Glaeser is right in saying “When it comes to land controls, I’m pretty confident that the public sector has made the bigger blunders. However, I disagree with his characterization of the sides as "libertarian" and "interventionist." It is not a two-way continuum. On peripheral development, which is crucial both to a well functioning housing market and housing affordability, too many libertarians are with the interventionists in opposing organic development on and beyond the urban fringe. This urban containment and compact city philosophy is at the heart of much of what has become impossibly unaffordable housing that characterizes metropolitan housing markets from Vancouver to Toronto, Coastal California, Australia, London, and too much of Europe. Tragically, urban containment is an existential threat to the middle-class.
Global connectivity or fragmented realities? Professor Vicki Katz from Chapman University joins us to unpack the complex impact of social media on media literacy. This episode promises to illuminate how social platforms, while bridging distances, also fracture our information landscape. Curious about how this affects our ability to discern truth and the role of legislation in this dynamic? Listen in as we examine Section 230's influence on accountability and the shifting trust in mainstream media, guided by Dr. Katz’s expertise and the experiences of Jewish American students navigating diverse media worlds.
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.
Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.
For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.
This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.
The latest work access data (journey to work and work at home) has been released. In 2023, transit commuting remained 30% below its 2019 pre-pandemic level, at 3.5%. This is an improvement from 3.1% in 2022. Driving alone was also below the pre-pandemic level, at 69.2%, compared to 75.9%. This was largely the result of the hybrid work revolution, which drove the work from home level to 13.8%, up more than 240% from the pre-pandemic level. The 2023 figure is below the 15.2% level of 2022.
The strongest transit markets were New York, at 23.8% of commuters. No other major transit market exceeded a 10% market share. Before the pandemic, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Washington and Seattle typically exceeded 10% shares.
Some transit markets in which there were major capital expenditures for rail systems now have shares of 1.0% or less, including Austin, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth and Virginia Beach-Norfolk.
The table below shows data for the 56 major metropolitan areas and national data.
Don’t give into the temptation to believe that the presently falling gasoline prices have something to do with the US Presidential election. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that China’s economic malaise is responsible. During the first six months of 2024, global oil demand increased only 800,000 barrels per day, down two-thirds from the first half of 2023 (2,300,000 barrels per day).re than twenty years' experience in planning, economic development, and community development, with stops in the public, private and non-profit sectors. He lives in Chicago.
IEA cites the increased utilization of electric vehicles in China, the reduction of travel by car and air, due to diversion to high-speed rail, though no data was provided on any of these factors.
Photo: An former airfield in Austin, Texas is being redeveloped into a multi-use community with both single and multi-family housing. By Matthew Rutledge via Flickr under CC 2.0 License.
Global trends are at a tipping point, and we have Emanuel Probst, global lead of brand thought leadership at Ipsos, to guide us through the chaos. Is nationalism the new norm, and can Gen Z be the bridge that connects a divided world? As we reminisce about the turbulent 1960s, we uncover the modern-day parallels of rising populism and disinformation. Emanuel shares his insights on how the youngest global generation harnesses technology for cross-border connections, even as these digital bonds threaten to weaken local communities and amplify social anxieties. Together, we weigh the pros and cons of this digital revolution and consider whether its benefits truly outweigh its challenges.
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.
Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.
For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.
This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.
What if a small nation could reshape the global landscape through sheer innovation and resilience? In this compelling episode of the Feudal Future Podcast, we welcome George Gilder, a visionary thinker and author, to illuminate how Israel’s technological prowess is revolutionizing industries worldwide. Gilder provides fascinating insights from his book, “The Israel Test: How Israel’s Genius Enriches and Challenges the World,” exploring groundbreaking contributions in computing, AI, and defense systems like the Iron Dome, which are not only transforming industries but also enhancing U.S. defense capabilities. We delve into Israel’s remarkable achievements in agriculture, turning barren deserts into fertile lands, becoming a leading agricultural exporter, and significantly reducing water consumption.
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.
Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.
For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.
This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.
Discover how the heartland of America is transforming its political landscape on the Feudal Future podcast. Join us as we sit down with experts like William Binning and Michael Lind to unravel the historical shifts in Midwestern populism, tracing its journey from left-wing origins to its current right-leaning momentum. Learn about the pivotal role of Ohio and influential figures like James Traficant in catalyzing this political realignment, and gain insights into the broader implications for disenfranchised groups, including middle-class manufacturing workers and small business owners.
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.
Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.
For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.
This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.
Every year, Chief Executive Magazine conducts a survey of Chief Executive Officers to obtain their perception of the business friendliness of the 50 states. The details are here. The top five states in 2024 were Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona and North Carolina. The second five includes Indiana, Georgia, Nevada, Utah and South Carolina.
The least business friendly states were California (#50), New York (#49), Illinois (#48), New Jersey (#47) and Washington (#46). The bottom 10 is rounded out with Massachusetts (#45), Hawaii (#44), Oregon (#43), Connecticut (#42) and Minnesota (#41).
The magazine describes the Survey as follows: “The ranking is based on a survey of more than 500 CEOs across the country who were asked to rate states based on their opinion of how easy it was to do business in that state versus others.”
The magazine added: "Texas and Florida's consistent ranking at the top of lists for best states to do business in reaffirms their status as economic powerhouses," said Chris Chalk, Publisher, Chief Executive magazine. "Their pro-business environments, robust infrastructure, and skilled workforce continue to attract businesses and drive economic growth. These states serve as prime examples of how strategic policies and investments can create opportunities for success."
I checked with ChatGPT to get a resume of recent year surveys. In each of the last ten years, Texas has ranked #1 and Florida #2. But the bottom end of the rankings has been more stable (with no change in the bottom 3), with California taking last place over the last decade, New York taking 49th place and Illinois placing 48th.
Unlock the secrets to thriving in the future job market with insights from Ginger Baxter, Assistant Dean at the Argyros College of Business and Economics, and Tom Piechota, Dean of the Fowler School of Engineering at Chapman University. Discover why the days of traditional degrees ruling the job market are fading and how a blend of foundational education with industry-specific skills is the key to unlocking career opportunities. Learn about the growing importance of micro-credentials and practical experience, and how students can create a standout resume through research and professional societies.
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.
Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.
For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.
This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.
Housing prices are through the roof, but why? Join us as we navigate the complex maze of housing affordability with insights from Ross Elliott, Peter Holle, and Wendell Cox. We break down how decades of flawed policies and excessive regulations have made homeownership a distant dream for many in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.
Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.
For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.
This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.
Infinite Suburbia is the culmination of the MIT Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism's yearlong study of the future of suburban development. Find out more.
Authored by Aaron Renn, The Urban State of Mind: Meditations on the City is the first Urbanophile e-book, featuring provocative essays on the key issues facing our cities, including innovation, talent attraction and brain drain, global soft power, sustainability, economic development, and localism.
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