Building new homes in the U.S. has become harder than ever. From the fallout of the 2008 crash to labor shortages and rising costs, the system is stuck. Based on work we've done across the country, this post breaks down five big challenges holding back housing development. If we want more people to have access to homes they can afford, we need to understand what’s going wrong—and start fixing it.

Indiana’s bold approach to regional economic development offers five key lessons for communities aiming to grow, attract talent, and build lasting collaboration. Over a decade, programs like RCI and READI transformed local economies with strategic investments in quality of place, workforce housing, and infrastructure—generating billions in impact. Learn how your region can adapt Indiana’s proven model for sustainable growth.

On this International Day of Friendship, we explore the quiet power of social infrastructure — the human connections that hold communities together. From empathy to economic mobility, friendship forms the foundation of resilient, inclusive civic life. At Fourth Economy, we believe relationships aren’t a byproduct of progress—they’re a prerequisite.