We are starting to see an equalization of rents across the region, with rents falling in expensive areas and rising in less expensive areas. This equalization will be brutal for the lowest income renters.
Housing Booming All Over—But Not In Washington
All of the subregions of the country, including the slow-growing Northeast, saw an increase in single family permits in 2020 over 2019. But, somehow Washington State missed the memo.
How America Stays Warm
In the quest to wean the nation off of fossil fuels, one imperative will remain non-negotiable: people want to stay warm in the winter. Central heat is one of civilization’s greatest achievements, and Americans are not going to give it up.
Sorry, But We’re Not Number One
Irresistible click-bait hit screens across Washington last week, as US News and World Report declared that Washington is the Best State in America. And, woe to Louisiana, the Worst State in America. This is all baloney.
Sales Taxes: Who Got Hammered In 2020 And Who Didn’t
Countywide (including unincorporated areas) sales tax collections were down about 9 percent for the year. But quite a number of cities had either very small losses or actual gains. The biggest losers were, not surprisingly, near SeaTac Airport.