Diversity and inclusion efforts increase in the infrastructure industry, a recent United Nations report on climate change highlights its potential effects on real estate, construction projects fall behind schedule due to labor shortages, and more.
- Transportation agencies and industry experts strive to make the infrastructure workplace more inclusive through diversity programs, an equity index, and increased recruitment, training, and retention efforts. (Sebastian Obando, Construction Dive)
- The Senate’s passing of the $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Package, which includes spending for roads, bridges, electric vehicles, broadband, water infrastructure, and grid resilience, will also have broad effects on the energy sector. (Energy Wire)
- A recent report by the United Nations outlines the impact climate change will have on the real estate industry, indicating how rising sea levels could cause flooding and threaten coastal home values while insurers could back out of underwriting properties in areas vulnerable to extreme weather. (Keith Larsen, The Real Deal)
- As a continuing effect of COVID-19, real estate owners managing construction projects are experiencing labor shortages, causing delays and pushing them over budget. (Lynn Pollack, GlobeSt.)
- The Federal Housing Finance Agency proposed new affordable housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that would require it to increase mortgage purchases in minority and low-income communities. (James Kleimann, Housing Wire)
- With major employers delaying a return to the office, small businesses owners of shops, retailers, and restaurants who rely on foot traffic from office workers are again having to search for alternative ways to make rent payments and maintain their operations. (Peter Grant, The Wall Street Journal)