Washington CORE recently sat down with Dr. Casey Dawkins, Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Maryland, to examine the drivers of the U.S. housing shortage and the path forward. Drawing on decades of housing policy research, Dr. Dawkins discussed how the 2008 housing crash, rising income inequality, and zoning restrictions continue to squeeze supply. He also highlighted promising reforms like Maryland’s Housing Expansion and Affordability Act and innovations in manufactured housing such as CrossMod.

The conversation revealed how state-level leadership, regulatory reform, and expanded financing tools can help address affordability, especially for renters and first-time buyers. Dawkins also emphasized the need for national R&D investment, pointing to Japan as a model for government-supported housing innovation.

Washington CORE is proud to continue fostering dialogue on key urban policy issues with leading experts across the U.S.

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