Kingston, Jamaica — 17 March 2026
A new push by the United States government to remove regulatory barriers to homebuilding is drawing attention globally, as policymakers attempt to tackle rising housing costs and a persistent shortage of homes. While the measures are focused on the U.S., they highlight a broader issue that continues to shape housing affordability and development patterns in countries like Jamaica.
The executive order directs multiple federal agencies to review rules seen as delaying construction, particularly environmental, planning, and energy-related regulations. It forms part of a wider strategy to increase housing supply and reduce costs, alongside moves to expand mortgage access and strengthen investment incentives.
A Global Housing Problem, Different Contexts
The U.S. housing market is currently facing a shortfall of more than four million homes, driven in part by slowed construction and rising development costs. The administration’s response focuses on cutting what…
