Across the United States, the landscape of real estate and housing development is in flux, with communities from New Jersey to Minnesota and Georgia tackling pressing issues of affordability, revitalization, and economic growth. In 2025, a wave of new projects, policy shifts, and community-driven initiatives signaled both the challenges and opportunities facing American cities and counties as they strive to address the needs of their residents.
In Essex County, New Jersey—a region long recognized for its vibrant neighborhoods and proximity to New York City—the past year brought a flurry of real estate activity and heated debate. According to Patch, the county saw significant developments ranging from property tax revaluations to high-profile construction projects. Notably, work began on Lionsgate Newark, a major movie and television production facility expected to open its doors for leasing in the summer of 2026. The project is anticipated to inject new life into the local economy and provide a range of opportunities for residents, both in terms of employment and cultural engagement.
But not all was smooth sailing. Essex County also grappled with the contentious issue of water privatization and the proposal of a backup power plant for a wastewater facility that had been flooded during Hurricane Sandy. The power plant, intended to safeguard critical infrastructure, drew sharp criticism from environmental advocates and local residents concerned about its potential impact on the community. Meanwhile, more than two dozen towns banded together in a lawsuit challenging new affordable housing requirements, highlighting the ongoing tension between state mandates and local control.
Affordable housing remained at the forefront of Essex County’s agenda. The region witnessed the introduction of new rent control laws, which housing advocates described as among the strongest in New Jersey. These measures were designed to protect tenants from steep rent hikes and to ensure stability in a market where, as a recent report noted, North Jersey ranks as the third-most competitive rental market in the nation. Yet, with demand continuing to outpace supply, finding an apartment remained a daunting task for many.
Elsewhere in Essex County, ambitious plans surfaced to build hundreds of housing units near West Orange, Essex Fells, Roseland, and Verona, further intensifying debates over land use and environmental preservation. A $350 million real estate project also sparked calls from community groups for greater public input, underscoring the desire for more democratic participation in shaping the county’s future. Even as new businesses signed leases at shopping centers and historic buildings underwent major renovations—such as a $700,000 makeover for one notable landmark—the undercurrents of change and contestation were never far from the surface.
Meanwhile, in Duluth, Minnesota, the conversation around housing and development took on a sense of urgency and strategic vision. As reported by the Duluth News Tribune, the city’s economic development authority, known as DEDA, identified a need for 6,192 additional housing units by 2030—a mix of for-sale, rental, and senior housing. The first Duluth Housing Strategies Conference, hosted in 2025, brought together developers, funders, and builders to chart a path forward. The result? A clear commitment to crafting a housing action plan in 2026 that will lay the groundwork for future development.
Downtown Duluth, like many urban centers, faces its own set of challenges: vacant lots, underused properties, and diminished commercial activity. To address these, DEDA and the city plan to unveil a comprehensive downtown-development strategy in early 2026, building on a decade’s worth of studies and community input—including the recently released Imagine Downtown 2035 vision. In the past year, DEDA invested in a range of projects, from the expansion of the Damiano shelter to the Lakeview 333 development and the sale of industrial park sites, all aimed at fostering economic vitality and social inclusion.
Innovation wasn’t limited to bricks and mortar. Duluth also launched three new programs in 2025: the Tiny Steps Childcare Grant, the Historic Fund, and the Storefront Loan Fund. These initiatives are designed to support working families, preserve the city’s heritage, and stimulate small business growth. Looking ahead, the city will focus on facilitating housing development through targeted funding, updating zoning regulations to streamline approvals, and partnering with county officials to bring tax-forfeited properties back into productive use. Collaboration with economic development agencies and support for key sectors like manufacturing, health care, and entrepreneurship are central to Duluth’s strategy for 2026 and beyond.
Down south in Columbus, Georgia, the need for affordable housing is even more acute. As WTVM reported, the city faces a shortage of approximately 15,000 units. In response, 2026 will see the completion of 90 new affordable housing units, primarily aimed at low-income seniors. The $27 million Miles Crossing project, situated near the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, will provide 80 apartments for seniors, with rents capped at 30 percent of tenants’ income to protect those living on fixed incomes from being overwhelmed by housing costs. “Opportunities like Miles Crossing exist to help seniors alleviate the cost burden associated with housing expenses,” explained Robert Scott, director of community reinvestment.
The city’s efforts don’t end there. A partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the community reinvestment department has led to the construction of seven new homes for low-income families, each featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Sold at zero percent interest, these homes offer a rare opportunity for families to achieve homeownership without the burden of high mortgage rates. Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity Louise Hurless captured the excitement: “A lot of them go out and see the progress even if it’s just the cement foundation, or the stakes to mark off their yard is going to be—it’s definitely hitting them.”
For those interested in applying for the Miles Crossing apartments, applications are accepted in person at Columbus Commons Apartments, a move that city officials hope will ensure accessibility and transparency in the allocation process.
Across these diverse regions, the push to expand affordable housing, revitalize urban centers, and foster economic growth is marked by both common themes and local variations. Whether it’s the legal battles over zoning in New Jersey, the strategic planning in Minnesota, or the targeted investment in Georgia, communities are grappling with how best to serve their residents in an era of rising costs and shifting demographics. The stakes are high, but so too is the resolve of local leaders, advocates, and citizens determined to shape a future where everyone has a place to call home.
As 2026 approaches, the hope is that these efforts—grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to equity—will yield tangible improvements for families, seniors, and newcomers alike, setting the stage for more inclusive and resilient communities in the years to come.
