LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — During this election, one of the biggest topics on the minds of voters is the economy and housing affordability.
In Southern Nevada, the average price of a single-family home in August of this year was $476,875, almost back to the record high set during the pandemic.
I looked into what both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have planned when it comes to housing.
On Trump’s website, the policy says:
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Andrew Harnik/AP
“To help new home buyers, Republicans will reduce mortgage rates by slashing inflation, open limited portions of federal lands to allow for new home construction, promote home ownership through tax incentives and support for first-time buyers, and cut unnecessary regulations that raise housing costs.” – Donald Trump’s campaign
To view Trump’s policy, click here.
I spoke to experts in the field to see how this will all play out here in Southern Nevada — experts like Bob Hamrick, President of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty.
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“Opening federal land for Southern Nevada would have the greatest impact for Southern Nevada versus anywhere else in the country because Nevada has the most amount of government owned land,” Hamrick said.
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And if you go over to Harris’ website, this is her policy which reads in part:
“…And she will cut red tape to make sure we build more housing faster and penalize firms that hoard available homes to drive up prices for local homebuyers. Vice President Harris knows rent is too high and will sign legislation to outlaw new forms of price fixing by corporate landlords.
As more new homes are built and affordable housing supply increases, Vice President Harris will provide first-time homebuyers with up to $25,000 to help with their down payments, with more generous support for first-generation homeowners. This will help more Americans experience the pride of homeownership and the financial security that it represents and brings — offering more Americans a path to the middle class and economic opportunity.” – Kamala Harris’ campaign
Evelyn Hockstein/AP
To view Harris’ policy, click here.
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RELATED STORY | Here is what each candidate said on hotbed issues for Nevadans during the ABC presidential debate
The $25,000 is the biggest one people are talking about. $25,000 to help first-time homebuyers. I asked Hamrick how this would play out.
“Any effort to incentivize buyers to purchase or give them an opportunity to make it easier to purchase is going to be beneficial,” Hamrick said.
“The question is: where is that $25,000 coming from? What is it going to go towards? And the most significant way in which we can have an impact on affordability is to bring down interest rates…I would also say that all real estate is local, and our local governments and state governments have a greater opportunity to impact housing in our states and in our regions than a president does. Whichever president gets elected is going to be great for the housing market.”
I also spoke with Social Sciences Professor Sondra Cosgrove with the College of Southern Nevada to ask which plan is more realistic.
“I think they are both realistic, if either one of them becomes president and they have a Congress that wants to work on these issues I think it is realistic to do. I think every state and every city is going to have a different reaction depending on how much resources we have at a local level to match what is happening at a federal level,” Cosgrove said.
Christmas Day weather forecast for Northern California – Dec. 25, 2024
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Christmas Day weather forecast for Northern California – Dec. 25, 2024
02:55
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TRUCKEE — With another weather system just about done with Northern California, roads in the Northern California high country are open but still potentially treacherous on Christmas Day.
As of noon, there are no restrictions on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada.
The same can’t be said for the smaller highways, however.
On Highway 89, Caltrans says chains or snow tires are required from Truckee to the Sierra/Plumas County line, and from Truckee to around 11 miles north of Truckee.
Highlighting how dangerous the conditions could be, on Christmas morning California Highway Patrol posted about a driver who nearly went completely off the side of the road near Emerald Bay. The vehicle had to be towed out.
Further south, along Highway 88, Caltrans says chains are also still required on all vehicles from 6.5 miles east of Peddler Hill in Amador County to about 5 miles west of Picketts Junction in Alpine County.
Another impactful weather system is expected to arrive by Thursday in Northern California
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Cecilio Padilla
Cecilio Padilla is a digital producer for CBS Sacramento and a Sacramento-area native who has been covering Northern California for more than a decade.
Neither of the authors of “Homesteading 2.0” (Dec. 15 Review-Journal) lives in Nevada. Yet, they believe they are qualified to advocate for increased development of our public lands.
To date, much new development has focused on luxury housing and green energy projects, rather than the need for affordable housing. While the authors acknowledge our successful conservation efforts, they fail to mention that current residents are being heavily regulated by the water authority, facing penalties, and pressured to reduce water usage. Lawns are being replaced with desert landscaping, and ongoing development to accommodate growth is contributing to the urban heat island effect. This growth has led to more congested roadways, wildlife encroaching into urban areas due to habitat loss and reduced access to recreational spaces that residents once enjoyed.
One of the defining features of Las Vegas was the open space surrounding the valley, which has long been a unique advantage of living in the Southwest. We must carefully consider how much growth we are willing to support moving forward.
Due to rainy weather forecast, the Annual Menorah Lighting in Nevada City has been moved indoors to The Miners Foundry (325 Spring St, Nevada City). Co-sponsored by Chabad of Grass Valley and The Miners Foundry, this special and FREE Chanukah celebration will take place on Thursday, December 26, at 4:00 p.m., and the public is invited to join the fun.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will feature the lighting of a 12-foot illuminated menorah, the largest and brightest in Nevada County. The menorah lighting promises to be an inspiring and memorable moment, bringing the community and our elected officials together to celebrate the message of Chanukah.
The evening will also include a unique performance by a Hassidic fire performer from Brooklyn, adding excitement and energy to the festivities. Guests will enjoy live Chanukah music, singing, and dancing, along with warm Starbucks coffee. Delicious latkes and donuts will be served, and there will be Chanukah gelt and dreidels for everyone to enjoy.
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“Chanukah is about bringing more light into the world each day,” said Rabbi Nochum Yusewitz. “We’re grateful to be able to gather indoors this year to keep everyone warm and dry while celebrating the holiday together. Although it’s the 9th year we are organizing this, there are lots of ‘firsts’ this year so that’s very exciting.”
For more information about the event, about Chanukah or about Chabad call Rabbi Nochum at 530-404-0030 or email hello@JewishGV.com
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