Affordable, Resilient, and Sustainable
A Look at the Future of Housing With Jennifer Castenson
In today’s rapidly evolving and cyclical real estate, Jennifer Castenson stands out as a thought leader with a deep understanding of affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing.
As Vice President of Ambassador and Industry Partner Programs at the construction project firm Buildxact, Castenson provides leadership and collaboration across the various verticals of custom homebuilding, remodeling, and industry stakeholders.
With her extensive experience, including her previous role as Vice President of Programming at Zonda, a national media and data group, Castenson is well-versed in identifying innovative solutions for the built environment.
Her insights into the housing crisis, coupled with her visionary approach, make her a pivotal voice in rethinking the future of housing in America.
The Affordable Housing Crisis: A Need for Visionary Thinking
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the issue of affordable housing remains a significant topic on the campaign trail. With both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris proposing distinct affordable housing platforms, Castenson is optimistic about the increased visibility of housing as a critical issue.
"What the housing industry needs is to be recognized as a major factor in how this country operates," she says. Castenson emphasizes that healthy, sustainable, and affordable housing is foundational to community health, economic stability, and individual well-being.
While acknowledging that both candidates' proposals have faced criticism, Castenson takes a forward-looking approach noting:
"Creating proposals is where the process starts. Challenging the proposals will lead to better solutions that can have a bigger, better impact in the end."
She sees this moment as an opportunity for a deeper recognition of the importance of quality housing in setting up a prosperous future for the country.
Rising Interest Rates and Homeownership Accessibility
With rising interest rates significantly impacting mortgage affordability, Castenson provides a refreshing perspective. She believes that buyers will eventually acclimate to the current rates, much like they did decades ago when rates were in the high teens.
However, she highlights a more pressing issue: the price of homes driven by a consumer mentality that favors "big and grandiose" over smaller, more efficient living spaces.
"We can build and live in smaller and more efficient homes. If they are smaller, they cost less, the mortgage is less, the property taxes are less, etc.," she explains.
Castenson also points to the role of lending institutions in creating barriers for homebuyers. "By offering financing that is certain to collapse, it creates a culture of mistrust, uncertainty, and caution that doesn’t need to exist."
Her call for more responsible lending practices underscores her broader vision for creating a more accessible housing market.
Innovative Solutions for Increasing Housing Supply
The ongoing shortage of housing supply and skyrocketing costs continue to plague the market. Castenson is a strong advocate for offsite construction, a method she believes can "break through the limitations of onsite construction" and deliver housing products faster, more sustainably, and at lower costs.
She also sees potential in alternative materials and technologies, although she acknowledges the challenges posed by entrenched legacy organizations.
"Building code could be more flexible for alternative solutions," Castenson notes, highlighting the need for policy changes that embrace innovation. She is particularly excited about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the construction industry.
“AI will crack open so many opportunities for us to better understand current challenges and where and how to address them," she says, envisioning a future where generative technology not only speeds up the permitting process but also aids in creating the right designs more efficiently.
The Role of Sustainability in Affordable Housing
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a focal point in addressing the housing crisis. However, Castenson points out the inherent conflict in a capitalistic society that often prioritizes convenience and low cost over environmental health.
"We are centered around convenience and low cost when we should be focused on our own health and the health of the planet," she asserts.
Despite the challenges, Castenson remains hopeful about the integration of sustainable practices into mainstream housing. She draws a parallel to the early days of the automotive industry, stating, "When Henry Ford started producing cars, there were no roads in place. It’s time for us to build the roads that we need for electrification and other high-volume solutions."
Her vision for sustainability extends beyond building materials to include infrastructure that supports a greener, more sustainable future.
Bridging the Affordability Gap in Urban Areas
In urban areas where demand is high and space is limited, Castenson advocates for creative and scalable strategies to bridge the affordability gap. From retrofitting existing real estate to removing single-family zoning, she sees numerous innovative solutions already in motion. However, she emphasizes the need for a cultural shift away from the traditional "American dream" of a detached house with a white picket fence.
Says Castenson:
"Where healthy housing includes access to mass transport, fresh food, and community... Where having a shared yard and neighbors working alongside you in the garden is prized over maintaining a well-fertilized, highly manicured front lawn."
A Vision for the Future of Housing
Jennifer Castenson's thought leadership offers a comprehensive vision for the future of affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing. Her insights reflect a commitment to challenging the status quo, embracing innovation, and fostering a cultural shift towards more sustainable and equitable living environments. As the housing crisis continues to evolve, Castenson's perspectives serve as a guiding light for those seeking to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking housing market.
Here are five recently published books that explore the prevailing housing crisis in America. You can help support “Great Books, Great Cities” by purchasing them here as we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
🎯 Housing the Nation: Social Equity, Architecture, and the Future of Affordable Housing by Alexander Gorlin and Victoria Newhouse*
Dive deep into America's affordable housing crisis with "Housing the Nation." This essential anthology brings together powerful voices—economists, scholars, architects, and community organizers—to explore the complex web of challenges and opportunities within the U.S. housing landscape.
Illustrated with stunning images of innovative, recently built homes and complexes, the book showcases real-world examples of what sustainable, equitable housing can look like.
With essays examining everything from the long-term impact of racial discrimination in the housing market to the potential of affordable housing integrated into market-rate developments, "Housing the Nation" is a compelling call to action for anyone passionate about building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future.
🎯 Escaping the Housing Trap: The Strong Towns Response to the Housing Crisis by Charles Marohn and Daniel Herriges*
"Escaping the Housing Trap" is a groundbreaking exploration of the clash between housing as a financial product and housing as a basic human need. In this book, renowned urbanists Charles Marohn and Daniel Herriges offer a fresh, transformative perspective on how we got here and, more importantly, how we can break free from the cycle that traps so many.
This book reveals the hidden forces distorting America's housing market and offers practical, locally-driven solutions for reclaiming our neighborhoods. With accessible insights into housing policy, zoning challenges, and the destructive power of speculative investment, this is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand—and fix—America’s housing crisis from the ground up.
🎯 Nowhere to Live: The Hidden Story of America's Housing Crisis by James S. Burling, with a Foreword by Senator Mike Lee
Uncover the shocking truth behind America's housing crisis in "Nowhere to Live." James S. Burling traces the roots of today's crisis through a century of misguided policies, revealing how the erosion of private property rights has led to our current predicament.
From exclusionary zoning and eminent domain abuse to overbearing environmental regulations, Burling offers a hard-hitting analysis of the policies that have paved the way to a future where millions of Americans face the terrifying prospect of having nowhere to call home.
Both a searing critique and a call to restore private property rights, this book is an urgent read for anyone concerned about the future of housing in America.
🎯 On the Housing Crisis: Land, Development, Democracy by Jerusalem Demsas
In "On the Housing Crisis," Atlantic writer Jerusalem Demsas offers a thought-provoking examination of how local politics and policies have fueled a generation-defining housing emergency. This collection of rigorously reported essays brings clarity to the complex, often contradictory world of land-use politics, zoning laws, and local governance.
Demsas’s sharp analysis cuts through the noise to expose how small groups with anti-development agendas have shaped policies that impact millions. A blend of contemporary journalism and historical insights from The Atlantic's rich archive, this book is an indispensable guide to understanding—and navigating—the housing crisis with an eye toward real, lasting change.
🎯 The US Housing Crisis: Home and Trust in the Real Estate Economy by Judith Keller
Judith Keller's "The US Housing Crisis" offers a rare and poignant look at the human side of America’s housing emergency. Unlike the typical academic approach, Keller uses trust as a unique analytical lens, drawing on personal stories and qualitative research to paint a vivid picture of what it means to face housing insecurity today.
This book goes beyond numbers to reveal the emotional and psychological toll of losing one’s home, highlighting the day-to-day struggles and survival strategies of those most affected. A crucial read for anyone who wants to move beyond the statistics and understand the real-life impact of the housing crisis on ordinary Americans.
I am a former urban journalist who has written hundreds of feature articles for publications like Comstock’s Magazine, Governing Magazine, New Geography and many others. You can support me in building this city-centric digital community by becoming a free subscriber or member supporter.
Diamond-Michael Scott
