Construction News Today — September 25, 2026

The housing market continues to grapple with challenges that impact renters, homebuyers, and industry players alike. In Chicago, two competing rent ordinances are set to clash, highlighting the ongoing debate over rent control and affordability. Meanwhile, a growing number of renters are struggling to keep up with monthly housing costs, underscoring the need for solutions that address the financial strain of housing expenses. This struggle is also reflected in concerns among non-retirees about outliving their assets, a worry that has significant implications for long-term financial planning and housing security.

In other news, the repercussions of a high-stakes bankruptcy fight are being felt, with a verdict against Rocket Close tied to HouseCanary’s financial woes. On a more positive note, initiatives aimed at promoting career development and workforce diversity are underway. Google has invested in a program by HBI that connects veterans to careers in the building trades, providing new opportunities for skilled workers. In the residential development space, Lennar has expanded its presence in Iowa with the opening of five new communities in the Des Moines area, signaling continued growth and investment in the housing market. These stories highlight the complex interplay of challenges and opportunities shaping the construction and real estate industries today.

Today's signal:
• Two competing Chicago rent ordinances head for a showdown (housingwire.com)
• Concerns over outliving assets grow among non-retirees (housingwire.com)
• HouseCanary’s bankruptcy fight is tied to a $175M+ verdict against Rocket Close (housingwire.com)
• More renters struggling with monthly housing costs (housingwire.com)
• Google invests in HBI program linking veterans to building careers (housingwire.com)
• Lennar’s new Iowa division opens 5 Des Moines-area communities (housingwire.com)