March 16, 2026
The National News Desk recently published an article featuring Keith Ericson, Professor and Department Chair of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, discussing two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump aimed at improving housing affordability through expanded construction and increased access to mortgage lending.
The first order seeks to reduce regulatory barriers to new housing development, including permitting delays, design requirements, and environmental regulations. The administration argues that these “layers of red tape” have driven up construction costs and contributed to rising home prices, while critics note that many of the most consequential zoning and building rules remain under state and local control.
As Ericson explains, the impact of federal action may ultimately be constrained: “It is a challenging issue for the federal government to do much about,” he notes, adding that a more realistic outcome may be encouraging states to adopt more consistent and standardized regulatory frameworks.
The second order focuses on expanding mortgage access by streamlining lending requirements, encouraging greater participation from community banks, and updating federal guidance on underwriting and appraisals.
While the administration frames these efforts as a response to affordability pressures, economists continue to emphasize that long-term housing costs are primarily driven by a structural shortage of supply, which has kept prices elevated nationwide.
