Episode Details

Housing affordability is collapsing for America’s middle class—and small businesses are feeling the impact.

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with real estate developer Michael Burkentine to break down the growing U.S. housing crisis and what it means for working families, entrepreneurs, and first-time homebuyers.

With the U.S. facing an estimated 5 million home shortage, Burkentine explains how rising costs, restrictive zoning laws, labor shortages, and institutional homebuyers have turned America into a “renter nation.”

They also dive into the proposed “Trump Homes” initiative—a bold plan to build up to 1 million entry-level homes through private-sector partnerships, deregulation, and innovative rent-to-own pathways designed to help Americans achieve homeownership again.

In this episode:

Why the U.S. is millions of homes short—and how we got here

How housing impacts small businesses and Main Street growth

The real reason starter homes disappeared

The role of Wall Street investors in driving up home prices

How zoning reform and deregulation could unlock supply 

The feasibility of building 1 million new homes

Why trade jobs and workforce training are critical to solving the crisis

As policymakers debate solutions ahead of key elections, this conversation highlights what must change to restore the American Dream of homeownership.

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