Housing & Local Policy: Northern Virginia zoning reform talks focused on speeding up approvals and easing bottlenecks to unlock more homes, with panelists arguing small rule changes can still move supply. Mortgage & Affordability: Americans’ average monthly mortgage payment topped $2,000 for the first time, while ICE data showed home equity withdrawals hitting the highest first-quarter level since 2021—signals affordability pressure and cash-out strain. Data Centers & Power: A Virginia-focused study warns data centers can reshape local electricity use and community impacts as the sector’s growth accelerates; meanwhile, Amazon and Corning announced a multi-billion-dollar fiber supply expansion in North Carolina to feed AI and data center demand. Smart Home for Rentals: SmartRent launched a “Climate Protection Mode” on its thermostats to reduce water- and moisture-related property damage risk for rental owners. Construction/Development Deals: SolaREIT donated land for a new San Diego County fire station tied to its Jacumba solar project—renewables plus public infrastructure. Markets & Materials: New market reports project continued growth in polyurethane foam and pyrethroids, both tied to construction and housing demand. National Politics Touching Real Estate: San Francisco’s housing views head to the November ballot after a primary that split pro-growth and anti-upzoning candidates.