AAMD Holds first Economic Conference Since 2020
The Apartment Association kicked off the new year in a big way with last month ’ s Economic Conference . Not only was this the association ’ s first live economic forecasting event since 2020 , it was also the first time the Economic Conference was combined with our popular Business 2 Business event .
The morning sessions were devoted to networking , as suppliers were able to meet with high-ranking decision makers in a fun “ speed-dating ” format . The afternoon Economic Conference switched focus , and provided a comprehensive overview of the current economic landscape - focusing on housing markets , construction challenges , and the complex issue of homelessness . The conference featured seven speakers and panelists , each offering valuable insights into various aspects of today ’ s rental housing climate .
Renting After the Pandemic : Insights from Zillow
Skyler Olsen from Zillow opened the conference with a discussion on the impact of inflation on housing markets . Zillow utilizes data to provide insights , emphasizing the importance of understanding housing markets for strategic decision-making .
Post-pandemic challenges and opportunities were explored , with a focus on the labor gap , high job openings , and the Federal Reserve ' s role . Denver ' s economic shift , job losses , rent growth , and inflation concerns were also discussed , highlighting the city ' s everchanging dynamics .
Challenges in Apartment Building Construction & High- Interest Rates
Teo Nicolais discussed the complexities of decisions being made within a dynamic economic system and touched on the cause and effect of what new construction does to rent growth . Terrance Hunt then delved into overcoming challenges in apartment building construction , emphasizing the impact of labor and municipal issues . Navigating high-interest rates in the real estate industry was discussed as increased loan rates and loan-to-value restrictions have increased the need for strong relationships with banks .
Insights into Homelessness & Housing Crisis
Gregg Colburn ' s session unveiled the complexity of homelessness , emphasizing the importance of understanding personal stories alongside broader housing market factors . The housing crisis was identified as one of the causes of homelessness , among other factors including regional variations and individual vulnerabilities .
Skylar Olsen
Gregg Colburn
Teo Nicolais www . aamdhq . org FEBRUARY 2024 TRENDS | 27