Homelessness Update (Monterey County): Monterey County’s 2026 PIT count shows overall homelessness down 15% and unsheltered homelessness down 23%, but “first-time” homelessness jumped from 24% (2024) to 60%, a warning sign that the pipeline into homelessness needs more resources. State Housing & Livability (Michigan): A new U.S. News ranking puts Michigan near the bottom at No. 46, citing weak scores on health care, crime/corrections, and opportunity—another reminder that local conditions shape where people can afford to live and thrive. Affordability Pressure (Mortgage Rates): The average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate rose to 6.66%, the highest in a year, tightening budgets for would-be buyers. Foreign Buyers Cooling: Foreign purchases of U.S. homes fell 14% (April 2025–March 2026), easing competition slightly for Americans, though affordability and high rates remain the bigger drag. Local Affordable Housing (NYC): New York City launched the LIFT Tracker to monitor affordable housing projects on city-owned land, aiming to build transparency as thousands of homes are planned. Data Centers & Power (Ohio microgrid): Veolia will operate a 350-MW grid-independent microgrid for an AI data center campus, highlighting how power reliability and grid constraints are reshaping real estate development. Construction & Infrastructure (Dulles makeover): Trump announced a $22.5B Dulles redesign starting spring 2027, with major terminal, customs, and parking upgrades—big implications for nearby development and commercial real estate. Labor for Building Boom: Data center expansion is driving aggressive hiring for electricians and carpenters, with higher pay and training programs as firms compete for skilled trades.