It isn’t found on the front page of the left-leaning New York Times or on the home page of the right-leaning New York Post. Nevertheless, multiple mainstream media outlets as well as advocates for affordable housing, citizen’s rights, and manufactured homes have published briefs, promoted, and/or republished the entire op-ed by L.A. “Tony” Kovach promoting the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000’s “enhanced preemption” solution for a possible swift resolution to the affordable housing crisis. After the Gannett owned Ledger published the Kovach op-ed linked here, news aggregators Yahoo News and MSN picked up and republished the full article.

Diana Ionescu for Planetizen on 2.28.2024 published the following brief about the Kovach op-ed on manufactured housing at this link here.

Part I

Opinion: Make Way for Manufactured Housing

Manufactured homes can be an affordable and accessible solution to the housing crisis, but they’re zoned out of many U.S. neighborhoods.

In an opinion piece in The Ledger, L.A. “Tony” Kovach calls on cities in Florida and elsewhere to loosen zoning restrictions that limit where manufactured housing, which can cost half as much as site-built homes, can be placed.

In many U.S. cities, zoning codes restrict where manufactured housing can be placed, often relegating it to the edges of towns and areas isolated from transportation and services. Yet manufactured homes can offer safe, affordable, secure housing and higher density than many single-family neighborhoods. “Unlike conventional housing, many could buy a manufactured home on privately owned land with FHA, VA, or USDA financing for about the same payment as a rental.”

According to Kovach, the 2000 Manufactured Housing Improvement Act allows the federal government to preempt local zoning rules that bar manufactured housing, though this “enhanced preemption” is rarely used. Kovach argues for more widespread enforcement of this rule, pointing to the success of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in California after the state legalized their construction as a model for manufactured housing, which he argues could similarly help boost the housing supply and provide affordable units for individuals and families.

FULL STORY: Opinion/Commentary: Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes##

Part II

The Institute for Justice linked the item under their news section.  It was simple and direct.

NEWS

Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes

• L.A. “Tony” Kovach
• February 25, 2024

Part III 

In a post on Florida Trend, linked here, was the following.

Column: Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes

Manufactured homes are about half the cost per square foot as conventional single-family housing, per Census Bureau data. Zoning boards in Florida and beyond create artificial barriers for access to more manufactured housing that Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies recently documented. While useful and largely supportive of modern manufactured homes vs. the old trailer houses and mobile homes from the 1940s-1960s, Harvard’s JCHS researchers missed some key facts. [Source: Lakeland Ledger]

Florida Trend’s link takes a reader to the full original op-ed on the Ledger. 

Part IV – World News (WN.com)

The Institute for Justice’s Katrin Marquez should be commended for her and her organization’s principled stance on food trucks in Haines City or elsewhere. Honest and authentic competition and freedom of choice are bedrock principles in the U.S. But those principles have been slipping for years. One of those… read full story

Part V

CableTV-app.com, WN.com (World News), are among others that have linked, quoted, and others promoted the item.

News aggregators Yahoo and MSN republished the entire article.

No surprise that MHProNews linked the item with some commentary and AI analysis here.  It has some remarks from pros, and others have followed since.

A researcher looking into HUD Code manufactured housing with an apparent antitrust angle made contact following the op-ed.

Several messages from congressional staff have come into MHProNews as a result of the article on the Ledger, MSN, and Yahoo.

Several Google Alerts have picked the issues favorable to quality, affordable manufactured housing raised in the Kovach op-ed on the MHIA and “enhanced preemption” up under an array of searches.  The following examples are just a sampling.

	“mobile homes” As-it-happens update ⋅ February 25, 2024
	NEWS
	Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes | Guest column theledger.com While useful and largely supportive of modern manufactured homes vs. the old trailer houses and mobile homes from the 1940s-1960s, Harvard’s JCHS …

	Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform Daily update ⋅ February 26, 2024
	NEWS
	Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes | Guest column theledger.com The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform offered to team up with a Manufactured Housing Institute state affiliate in 2019 to …

	“Manufactured Housing Institute” As-it-happens update ⋅ February 25, 2024
	NEWS
	Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes | Guest column theledger.com The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform offered to team up with a Manufactured Housing Institute state affiliate in 2019 to …

	trailer house Daily update ⋅ February 25, 2024

	L A ‘Tony’ Kovach As-it-happens update ⋅ February 28, 2024
	NEWS
	Opinion: Make Way for Manufactured Housing | Planetizen News Planetizen In an opinion piece in The Ledger, L.A. “Tony” Kovach calls on cities in Florida and elsewhere to loosen zoning restrictions that limit where …

	L A ‘Tony’ Kovach As-it-happens update ⋅ February 26, 2024
	NEWS
	Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes | Guest column theledger.com L. A. “Tony” Kovach lives in a manufactured home in Winter Haven. He is the co-founder of MHProNews and MHLivingNews, trade publications serving …

Part VI

The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) President and CEO, Mark Weiss, J.D. sent an email to MHProNews that said the following.

While MHARR and the author of this article are long-time advocates for implementation of the enhanced preemption of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 by HUD, in order to eliminate widespread zoning discrimination against affordable manufactured homes and the Americans who own and reside in them, others — including some within the industry itself — have either downplayed this major issue or have been missing in action for far too long.”

Mark Weiss

That comment by Weiss appears to be a reference to the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and/or to MHI-linked state associations, which MHI refers to as their “state affiliates.” To that concern, note that thus far, MHI, their designated media contact, and an outsider attorney of theirs have not been known to have responded. More on aspect of this emerging topic found in the item linked here.

MHProNews has, for instance, had op-eds in publications/websites like the Tampa Free Press, Reflector, and Baptist News Global in recent years that have all outlined some basics about manufactured homes, the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 (MHIA or what MHARR sometimes calls the 2000 Reform Law), and so-called enhanced federal preemption under the 2000 Reform law. The possible takeaways are many, but among them is what should be obvious. Why isn’t MHI doing the precise same thing if they are sincere about getting enhanced preemption enforced?

Where are the similar efforts by MHI – which has far more staff, a far bigger budget, and thus far more time and resources to get this type of promotion of this issue accomplished?  The fact that they have not done so 2 decades ago speaks volumes.  It goes to the heart of the evidence-based notion that outside antitrust legal researcher Samuel Strommen specified and that Minneapolis Federal Reserve senior economist James A. “Jim” Schmitz Jr. implied. Namely, that oligopoly style monopolization is well underway in manufactured housing.

No less important is the point, why isn’t MHI launching litigation to get the MHIA enforced? Read the op-ed to the Ledger, it outlines the matter in some 800 words.

MHARR offered to litigate it with MHI and/or with an MHI state affiliate. No takers, said MHARR.

Which begs the question. Where are the state or federal antitrust probes of MHI and several of their consolidation focused corporations?

Part VII

When the following quote is dropped into the Bing search engine, Bing’s AI powered Copilot responded as shown.

> “Governments should lighten up on zoning for affordable manufactured homes”

Part VII Additional Information with More MHProNews Analysis and Commentary in Brief

1) To the point suggested by MHARR’s Weiss (above), one of several questions that ought to be posed to corporate and senior staff leaders at MHI is why aren’t they pushing every possible button on a routine basis on the topic of federal preemption? Why are the very words, “enhanced preemption” not found on the MHI website, per multiple searches using the MHI site search tool?

2) Why did MHI’s routine “amen corner” of bloggers and trade publishers fail to use the words “enhanced preemption” on their websites?

3) There are any number of research items by universities or nonprofits, news reports, or opinions that have been expressed about the various zoning, financing, and perceptual barriers that are slowing manufactured housing down to a crawl compared to what the industry achieved in the last few years of the 1990s. One of those university level research reports is named in the Kovach op-ed to the Ledger.

4) When the following word-for-word remark with quotation marks was put into the Bing AI chat function, Copilot, here are some Q&A’s on 2.28.2024, in addition to the one shown in Part VI, above.

> “Sec Marcia Fudge enhanced preemption”

The Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 (MHIA) significantly amended the Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act by introducing new mandates for manufactured home installation and dispute resolution. One crucial provision in the MHIA is the concept of “enhanced preemption.” Let’s delve into this topic and explore its implications.

1. Enhanced Preemption:
   • The term “enhanced preemption” refers to the authority granted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to override local zoning restrictions that discriminate against manufactured homes.
   • Essentially, it allows HUD to ensure that local regulations do not unfairly exclude or hinder the placement of manufactured homes within communities.
   • The goal is to promote the availability of affordable housing options, including manufactured homes, by removing unnecessary barriers.
2. Historical Context:
   • The MHIA was enacted to modernize requirements under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.
   • While the MHIA introduced several positive changes, including enhanced preemption, its enforcement has been inconsistent over the years.
3. Secretary Mel Martinez and Beyond:
   • Secretary Mel Martinez, who served as HUD Secretary from 2001 to 2003, had the opportunity to enforce enhanced preemption. However, during his tenure, this provision was not fully utilized.
   • Since then, no HUD Secretary in the 21st century has consistently enforced enhanced preemption.
4. Sec Marcia Fudge’s Position:
   • Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, the current HUD Secretary, has not actively promoted the use of enhanced preemption.
   • Her stance appears to be contrary to the law’s intent and the interests of the manufactured housing industry.
5. Impact on Affordable Housing:
   • The lack of consistent enforcement of enhanced preemption limits the growth of affordable housing, including manufactured homes.
   • Addressing discriminatory zoning and ensuring that manufactured homes are treated fairly at the local level is crucial for expanding housing options.

1 manufacturedhomepronews.com 2 bing.com 3 theledger.com 4 manufacturedhomepronews.com 5 archives.hud.gov 6 millercenter.org 7 archives.hud.gov 8 georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov 9 manufacturedhomepronews.com 10 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 11 hud.gov 12 congress.gov 13 huduser.gov 14 hud.gov 15 manufacturedhomepronews.com 16 manufacturedhomepronews.com 17 manufacturedhomepronews.com 18 hud.gov…”

Note this line from AI powered Copilot‘s number 4, above about Secretary Fudge: “Her stance appears to be contrary to the law’s intent and the interests of the manufactured housing industry.”

Note too in the above this paragraph by AI driven Copilot.

“In summary, while the MHIA provides a powerful tool in the form of enhanced preemption, its effective implementation remains a challenge. Advocacy and education are essential to overcome barriers and promote affordable housing choices for all Americans.¹²³⁴…”

Where is MHI on this preemption issue under the MHIA of 2000? Are their leaders and mouthpieces going to continue to posture, preen, palter, and pretend that they support the full and robust implementation of this enhanced preemption under the MHIA issue to their members? Will their gaslighting on this federal preemption issue continue? While simultaneously numbers of MHI’s consolidation focused brands are touting the fact to investors that zoning barriers is good for their consolidation focused business model?

The apparent duplicity of this approach by several of MHI’s board and staff leaders has been noted by AI driven Copilot, as MHProNews has previously reported.

Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size,
Click Here and Follow the Prompts,
or see the instructions below the graphic below the image and follow the prompts.

For accuracy and balance, let’s note anew that some MHI members do not appear to be ‘in on it’ when it comes to this apparent duplicity on federal preemption under the MHIA. That said, the consolidators in the industry appear to relish this stance. And those consolidators are routinely MHI members and/or are members of MHI linked state associations.

That noted, let’s pivot back to the distinction between MHI and MHARR on this issue. MHProNews and MHLivingNews have for years observed that those two national trade groups  often seem to have similar positions. But when carefully examined in the light of known facts and research, MHARR appears to be genuine in their efforts to get federal preemption enforced because it would result in growth, as the report linked below detailed.

AI driven Copilot, as MHProNews has reported several times does have a bias and does at times glitch. But it is per several sources the best free AI search tool in 2023. Having tested some of the other systems, after testing since May of 2023 MHProNews at this time concurs what that assessment. Copilot appears to be – reasonable – and polite. It may take one stance in an initial inquiry, but if a follow in the same thread of Q&As includes evidence presented to Copilot that supports a more nuanced or different conclusion, Copilot does at times pivot and admit the need to change its stance. That noted, consider this next Q&A.

5)

“The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) website frequently mentions enhanced preemption. They have issued press releases that include mention of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 and its federal enhanced preemption provision, correct? By contrast, can you find any mention by the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) of “enhanced preemption” on their website? Can you find any press releases or opinion columns by an MHI linked professional since Chris Stinebert was president and CEO of MHI?”

Certainly! Let’s explore the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) and the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) in relation to the concept of enhanced preemption:

1. MHARR (Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform):
   • MHARR is a national trade association representing independent producers of federally-regulated manufactured housing.
   • They actively advocate for the industry and address key issues related to manufactured homes.
   • MHARR has consistently emphasized the importance of enhanced preemption as a tool to overcome local zoning barriers that discriminate against manufactured homes.
   • Their press releases and communications often highlight the need for HUD to enforce enhanced preemption to promote affordable housing options¹².
2. MHI (Manufactured Housing Institute):
   • MHI is another national trade organization representing various segments of the factory-built housing industry.
   • While MHI’s website provides resources and information on topics related to manufactured housing, it does not prominently feature the term “enhanced preemption.”
   • A search on their website does not yield specific results related to this concept.
3. Chris Stinebert:
   • Chris Stinebert served as the President and CEO of MHI.
   • While there are references to his tenure, including press releases and opinion columns, there is no explicit mention of “enhanced preemption” on the MHI website.
   • It appears that MHI has not actively promoted this concept in their communications or official materials.

In summary, MHARR has consistently emphasized enhanced preemption, while MHI’s website does not prominently feature this term. The lack of explicit mention by MHI raises questions about their stance on this critical issue for the manufactured housing industry¹²³.

Learn more

1 manufacturedhomepronews.com 2 manufacturedhomepronews.com 3 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 4 manufacturedhousing.org 5 manufacturedhousing.org 6 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 7 manufacturedhomepronews.com 8 manufacturedhomepronews.com 9 bing.com 10 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 11 nbc4i.com 12 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org…”

6) Additional related insights.

MHARR has issued press releases in recent years that raise the federal preemption issue.  There are times when those are picked up and cited by Copilot in the ‘learn more’ section of their full response to an inquiry.

By contrast, MHI has no press releases to pick up that use the phrase: “enhanced preemption” in a press release. It isn’t that MHI is unaware of the topic. They have used that terminology in narrow and specific ways, to apparently mirror what MHARR has said and done. This seems to be part of their ‘gaslighting’ and posturing mentioned earlier.

This means that logically MHI can’t have it both ways, even though that seems to be what they are trying to do.

As Weiss said as quoted in Part VI above: “While MHARR and the author [i.e.: L.A. “Tony” Kovach] of this article are long-time advocates for implementation of the enhanced preemption of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 by HUD, in order to eliminate widespread zoning discrimination against affordable manufactured homes and the Americans who own and reside in them, others — including some within the industry itself — have either downplayed this major issue or have been missing in action for far too long.”

The evidence arguably supports Weiss’ statement. This author has managed to periodically get other publishers to run an op-ed that outlines the case for manufactured housing, the MHIA and “enhanced preemption” to overcome zoning barriers. Numbers of outreaches to public officials as well as various advocacy groups have occurred.  The articles and screen capture below illustrates the demonstrable reality of those remarks. Some of these recaps prior points, but it will save readers time scrolling back up.

Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size
see the instructions below the graphic below the image and follow the prompts.

7)

> “Based on the above thread, confirm, clarify, or refute the following and link the evidence online that supports the points you will make. It seems that the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) at some point in time since the Chris Stinebert leadership their as president and CEO was deftly guided by corporate interests that decided that they will at times posture words similar to those issued by MHARR, but are upon closer inspection contrary to the interests of corporate consolidators of the industry. Those consolidators in their investor relations (IR) pitches may quite openly say that zoning barriers are a benefit to their business model, correct? So, there is a duality at MHI. They tell their smaller members – who may be a target for consolidation – that they want to see the industry grow. They tell the IRS in their form 990 filings that they want to see the industry grow. But the common sense steps that they ought to take toward growth are not taken. MHI waited for months to sue to stop the DOE energy rule, unlike the gas association that was swift in their litigation against the DOE. I’ve seen no evidence online that MHI has launched any suits to get the enhanced preemption provision of the MHIA of 2000 enforced, have you Copilot? Is there any evidence that they have sued to get the FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to fully and properly implement the Duty to Serve Manufactured Housing with chattel lending for all HUD Code manufactured homes? Or has MHI sued to get the FHA Title I loan program and its onerous 10/10 rule modified? These may seem like technical issues that people who are not steeped in the details of manufactured housing might miss. MHI leaders would or should know that, and are thus taking advantage of smaller members by collecting dues and saying they want growth, when the consolidators clearly prefer the status quo for now. Doesn’t this pattern fit the notions of paltering, posturing for effect by some MHI leaders? Isn’t antitrust a concern?”

Learn more

1 manufacturedhomepronews.com 2 bing.com 3  manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 4 headlinesoftoday.com 5 manufacturedhomepronews.com 6 manufacturedhomepronews.com 7 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 8 manufacturedhomepronews.com 9 fhfa.gov 10 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 11 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 12 bing.com 13 manufacturedhousing.org 14 manufacturedhousing.org 15 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org16 manufacturedhomepronews.com 17 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 18 einnews.com 19 manufacturedhomepronews.com  20 manufacturedhomepronews.com…”

8)

> “Useful, thanks. Elaborate on the notions of paltering, posturing, preening, and the Illusory effect in connection to activities at MHI, such as their awards programs or the notion that MHI CEO Lesli Gooch has been nominated as a Woman of Influence, ironically while manufactured housing production was in decline. When everyday people are busy with their own lives, they may or may not have time to look at the details that are available that seem to support the claim that various researchers and growth-minded professionals have raised about MHI’s arguably duplicitous behavior. When the definitions of paltering, preening, gaslighting, and the illusory effect are considered, does MHI’s pattern of behavior post Chris Stinebert seem to fit the known facts? Explain and link items in support of your findings.”

Certainly! Let’s delve into the concepts you’ve mentioned and explore their relevance to the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and its activities. I’ll provide an analysis based on available information.

1. Illusory Truth Effect:
   • The illusory truth effect refers to the tendency for people to believe false information as true when it is repeated frequently. Even if a statement is initially false, repetition can lead to increased belief in its accuracy.
   • In the context of MHI, this effect could play a role in shaping perceptions about the industry, its practices, and the organization itself. For instance, if MHI consistently promotes certain narratives or messages, even if they are misleading, people may come to accept them as true due to the illusory truth effect¹.
2. Paltering:
   • Paltering involves using truthful elements while omitting or distorting relevant information to deceive others. It’s a form of manipulation where partial truths are presented to create a misleading impression.
   • MHI’s communication strategies, especially regarding industry statistics, awards, or achievements, could potentially involve paltering. By selectively emphasizing positive aspects while downplaying negative trends (such as declining manufactured housing production), they may create a deceptive narrative².
3. Preening:
   • Preening refers to self-promotion or boasting, often to enhance one’s image or reputation. Organizations engage in preening to showcase their accomplishments and position themselves favorably.
   • MHI’s awards programs, such as the “Woman of Influence” nomination for CEO Lesli Gooch, could be seen as a form of preening. While recognizing achievements is common, it’s essential to critically evaluate whether these accolades genuinely reflect positive impact or merely serve as self-promotion³.
4. Gaslighting:
   • Gaslighting involves manipulating someone into doubting their perception, memory, or reality. It’s a tactic used to undermine confidence and control narratives.
   • While not directly tied to MHI’s behavior, gaslighting could be relevant if the organization intentionally misrepresents facts or dismisses valid concerns raised by researchers or professionals. If MHI consistently downplays industry challenges or denies negative trends, it could contribute to a gaslighting effect².

In summary, MHI’s communication practices, awards programs, and responses to industry challenges should be critically evaluated. While some positive aspects exist, it’s essential to consider whether the organization’s behavior aligns with transparency, honesty, and genuine efforts to address industry issues. The illusory truth effect may play a role in shaping perceptions, but discerning individuals should seek out comprehensive information and critically assess MHI’s actions and statements¹².

For more context, you can refer to the MHI Excellence in Manufactured Housing Awards¹. Additionally, the decline in manufactured housing production has been documented by the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR)⁴⁵⁶. Keep in mind that this analysis is based on available information, and further research may provide additional insights.

Learn more

1 congressandexpo.com 2 manufacturedhomepronews.com 3 mhvillage.com 4 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 5 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 6 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 7 mhvillage.com 8 mhi.org 9 mchb.hrsa.gov 10 psychologytoday.com 11 cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com 12 en.wikipedia.org 13 housingalliance.us 14 mhvillage.com 15 housingwire.com 16 housingwire.com 17 globest.com 18 event.globest.com

 

9)

> “Is there sufficient evidence for public officials to open investigations of the Manufactured Housing Institute and several of its key members? Don’t the evidence based allegations raised by Samuel Strommen, James A Schmitz Jr and his colleagues, and several antitrust litigation launched against several of their higher profile members in the last 8 months or so all indicate that possible solutions to the affordable housing crisis are being thwarted by duplicitous behavior involving some at MHI and several of their dominating brands?”

Samuel Strommen, an Associate Attorney, has meticulously researched and raised antitrust allegations against the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and key members. His paper titled “The Monopolization of the American Manufactured Home Industry and the Formation of REITs: a Rube Goldberg Machine of Human Suffering”¹ exposes monopolistic practices and calls for reforms within the industry. Strommen’s work, along with other legal perspectives, highlights concerns about the affordable housing crisis and the role of MHI. The evidence-based allegations suggest that solutions to this crisis may be hindered by certain behaviors within the industry. Public officials should take note and consider further investigations to address these issues.²³⁴

Additionally, James A. Schmitz Jr., along with other researchers, has pointed out the harm caused by monopolistic practices in the housing market. Their work emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies, including developing new units, preserving existing affordable housing, and expanding rental assistance. These efforts could help alleviate the housing affordability gap and provide solutions to the crisis⁵⁶⁷

In summary, the evidence-based allegations and research underscore the urgency of addressing the affordable housing crisis and examining the actions of industry players like MHI. Public officials should consider investigations to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair practices in the housing sector.⁸

Learn more

1 manufacturedhomepronews.com 2 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 3 manufacturedhomepronews.com 4 manufacturedhomepronews.com 5 manufacturedhomepronews.com 6 manufacturedhomepronews.com 7 einpresswire.com 8 urban.org 9 einpresswire.com 10 manufacturedhomepronews.com 11 manufacturedhomepronews.com 12 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 13 kenaninstitute.unc.edu 14 cbpp.org 15  ssir.org…”

10)

As MHARR’s Weiss duly noted, MHProNews, MHLivingNews, and MHARR itself has consistently and persistently drawn attention to these concerns and possible solutions for years. Weiss is right. Where is MHI’s actions? Where are their state affiliates on these issues? Why do their blogging/publishing mouthpieces fail to raise obvious points?

 

11) There was a time when the mobile home industry which transitioned into the manufactured home industry was literally and figuratively reaching for the sky.

 

Balcony Bedrooms-Kitchens ‘Sunken’ Baths, Developing to Keep Up w/Demand for Mobile Homes and Manufactured Housing – Fortune and American Dreams Are Eroding – MHVille Analysis; plus MHMarkets

 

Billions have been invested by some into factory-built housing initiatives in recent years that do not hold the same proven potential as HUD Code manufactured housing has demonstrated for decades.

 

 

12) It is axiomatic that it is harder to swim against the current than to go with the flow.

But it is also apparent that without going against this artificially created current in MHVille, a current which conveniently benefits consolidators while harming the general public, that no changes will occur.

At a minimum, MHI leaders could clearly be doing much more than they have been.

The fact that they have not done more points to unstated agendas that benefit a few at great harm to the many.

 

 

See the reports linked above and below to learn more. ##

 

Manufactured Housing Institute Hit by Antitrust Allegations in Op-Ed, MHI-Attorney-Boyle Asked to Respond to Evidence-Based Concerns – AI Fact Check Refers to MHI’s “Orwellian Approach”

Truth, Half-Truths, Awkward Realities, Bizarro World – How the Manufactured Housing Institute Responded to Apparent Manufactured Homes Error by Newsweek; plus Sunday Weekly MHVille Headlines Recap

MHI to HUD-MHCC ‘DOE Rule Will Be Severe’ DOE MH Energy Rule ‘Litigation Tactic’–Cite Sierra Club Suit-Lost Manufactured Home Sales-MHI’s Detailed Statement with Facts and Analysis; plus MHMarkets

‘Huge Opportunity Cash In on Stigma Prone Manufactured Home’ Communities–Crow Holding Manufactured Housing Director Kristin Millington ‘Demand Outpacing Supply-Don’t See that Changing’ w/MHMarkets

Part VIII – is our Daily Business News on MHProNews stock market recap which features our business-daily at-a-glance update of over 2 dozen manufactured housing industry stocks.

This segment of the Daily Business News on MHProNews is the recap of yesterday evening’s market report, so that investors can see at glance the type of topics may have influenced other investors. Thus, our format includes our signature left (CNN Business) and right (Newsmax) ‘market moving’ headlines.

The macro market move graphics below provide context and comparisons for those invested in or tracking manufactured housing connected equities. Meaning, you can see ‘at a glance’ how manufactured housing connected firms do compared to other segments of the broader equities market.

In minutes a day readers can get a good sense of significant or major events while keeping up with the trends that are impacting manufactured housing connected investing.

Reminder: several of the graphics on MHProNews can be opened into a larger size. For instance: click the image and follow the prompts in your browser or device to OPEN In a New Window. Then, in several browsers/devices you can click the image and increase the size. Use the ‘x out’ (close window) escape or back key to return.

 

Headlines from left-of-center CNN Business – from 2.28.2024

• Wendy’s says new pricing plan is not surge pricing
• Bitcoin to the moon? Here’s why it’s near an all-time high
• The United HealthCare Group Inc. website on a laptop computer arranged in Hastings on Hudson, New York, U.S., on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021.
• Cyberattack on insurance giant disrupting business for doctors, therapists
• Produce at an Albertsons Cos. brand Safeway grocery store in Scottsdale, Arizona, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.
• US government sues to block largest supermarket merger in history
• FAA gives Boeing 90 days to come up with a plan to address quality issues
• Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, arrives at court as lawyers push to persuade the judge overseeing his fraud case not to jail him ahead of trial, at a courthouse in New York, U.S., August 11, 2023.
• This ALS patient has a brain implant that translates his thoughts to computer commands
• Apple cancels work on an electric car, reports say
• Close up of woman’s hand touching illuminated and multi-coloured LED display screen, connecting to the future. People, lifestyle and technology
• Revolution or market bubble? Investors weigh the AI boom
• News outlets are collapsing as advertisers flock to social media platforms. It has major implications for society
• Wendy’s will test new menus that change prices throughout the day
• The world’s largest cinema chain, aiming to pull out of a slump, is tweaking the way we watch movies
• AI is Uncle Sam’s new secret weapon to fight fraud
• Hong Kong scraps decade-old property restrictions to boost flagging economy
• Warner Bros. Discovery plans to close New Zealand TV news channel
• Troubled Chinese property developer Country Garden faces liquidation petition
• Starbucks to begin talks with Workers United union
• Beyond Meat’s stock surges after CEO promises to steeply cut costs in 2024
• Gen Z is getting married. Together with Millennials, they’re putting their own spin on weddings
• Number of 401(k) ‘millionaires’ jumped 41% last year, says Fidelity
• More than 380,000 Toyota Tacoma pickups recalled because axles could loosen
• How America’s once great department stores became a dying breed

 

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Headlines from right-of-center Newsmax 2.28.2024

• McConnell Stepping Down as Senate GOP Leader
• Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s said Wednesday he would step down from his leadership role, leaving a power vacuum atop the party he has piloted in the chamber for nearly 17 years, longer than any other party leader in Senate history. [Full Story]
• Defiant Houthis Will Only Reassess Red Sea Attacks If Israeli ‘Aggression’ Stops
• Israel Presses On With W. Bank Settlements
• Rubio: Blocking of Aid to Allies ‘Unsettling’
• Hezbollah to Pay the Price for Joining Hamas Attack: IDF Chief
• Hostage Families Launch 4-Day March to Demand Their Release
• Netanyahu Counters Biden: Most Americans Support Israel
• Israel, Hamas Indicate No Deal Is Imminent After Biden Signals the Opposite
• Hezbollah Strikes IDF Base on Golan Heights
• Newsmax TV
• John Bolton: Effects of Biden’s Aging Are Clear
• Burchett: What Was Hunter Biden Selling? | video
• Jordan Sekulow: Hunter Biden Can Plead Fifth on Some Questions | video
• Rick Santorum: Democrats ‘Stuck’ With Biden | video
• Braun: Trump Not to Blame for Border | video
• Fry: Skeptical About Call of Russian Disinfo | video
• Donalds: Congress Holds ‘Massive’ Evidence Against Bidens | video
• Harris: ‘Senate Inaction on All Our Funding Bills | video
• Newsfront
• Biden: Physical Exam Results No Different From Healthy Report Last Year
• President Joe Biden received an annual physical examination at a military hospital in suburban Maryland Wednesday, an assessment that will be closely watched as the 81-year-old seeks re-election in November…. [Full Story]
• FAA Gives Boeing 90 Days to Come Up With a Plan
• Boeing it must develop a comprehensive action plan to address [Full Story]
• Trump Seeks $100 Million Bond on $454.2M Judgment
• Donald Trump is unable to post a full bond while he appeals a $454.2 [Full Story]
• $5.8M Needed in US to Break Into Wealthiest 1 Percent
• To rank among the wealthiest 1% in the United States requires a net [Full Story]
• Google Hit With $2.3B Lawsuit by 32 Media Groups
• Alphabet’s Google was hit with a 2.1-billion-euro ($2.3 billion) [Full Story]
• Lawfare Being Deployed Against Populist Leaders Worldwide
• The arrest and persecution of political opposition figures are [Full Story] | Platinum Article
• Defiant Hunter Biden Denounces ‘MAGA-Motivated Conspiracies’
• President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden took a defiant tone at a [Full Story]
• Super PAC: RFK Jr. Qualifies for Ariz., Ga. Ballots
• Enough signatures were gathered to qualify independent presidential [Full Story]
• Related
• Author Williamson Relaunches Dem Presidential Campaign
• Chatbot Errors Could Keep Voters Away on Super Tuesday
• Haley Campaign: Trump Mich. Win Bad Omen for GOP in Nov. |video
• Biden Taking Michigan Protest Vote ‘Seriously’
• Biden Cruises in Mich. Despite Stout ‘Uncommitted’ Vote
• Trump Continues Domination Over Haley in Michigan Primary |video
• Russia Claims It Captures Stepove Village Near Avdiivka
• Russian troops have captured the Ukrainian village of Stepove, about [Full Story]
• Related
• Ukraine Destroys All 10 Drones Russia Launched Overnight
• Zelenskyy Co-hosts Summit for More War Aid From SE Europe
• Afghan Opposition Concerned About Taliban Normalization
• Afghan opposition leaders expressed alarm after being excluded from [Full Story] | Platinum Article
• Vets in California Work to Secure Border Wall
• Military veterans in southern California have been repairing sections [Full Story]
• Russia’s Criteria for Using Nukes Lower Than Thought
• Leaked military documents indicate that Russia’s minimum criteria for [Full Story]
• Arizona Poll: Voters Split on Trump Charges
• Arizona Republican voters are split on supporting former President [Full Story]
• GAO: Billions Wasted on Federal Employee Health Plan
• Fraudulent enrollees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) [Full Story]
• PAR Poll: Trump Leads Biden in Maine, Would Flip State
• Former President Donald Trump surpassed President Joe Biden in a [Full Story]
• Survey: Most Americans Cool to Christian Nationalism
• About two-thirds of Americans reject or are skeptical about Christian [Full Story]
• Biden Meeting With Police to Boast Violent Crime Drop
• President Joe Biden will focus on crime rates in the U.S. on [Full Story]
• ‘Forrest Gump’ Star Gary Sinise’s Son Dead at 33
• “Forrest Gump” actor Gary Sinise has revealed that his son, Mac [Full Story]
• Ottawa Aids Gender-Inclusive Demining in Ukraine
• Canada’s $3.02 billion in financial and military support for the [Full Story]
• GOP Lawmakers Discuss Ukraine Aid Discharge Petition
• Several Republican lawmakers have discussed adding a potential [Full Story]
• Boebert’s Son Arrested for Alleged Thefts
• The oldest son of Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., was arrested Tuesday [Full Story]
• ‘Mary Poppins’ Age Rating Raised Over Language
• The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has raised the age [Full Story]
• Women’s Catholic College Cancels Trans Admission Plans
• A Midwest all-women’s Catholic college has reversed its plan to admit [Full Story]
• Texas Wildfires Briefly Shut Down Nuke Weapons Facility
• A series of wildfires swept across the Texas Panhandle early [Full Story]
• 4th Quarter GDP Revised Slightly Lower to 3.2 Percent
• The U.S. economy grew at a solid clip in the fourth quarter amid [Full Story]
• Houthi Rocket Fire Reported Off Yemen in Red Sea
• A rocket exploded late Tuesday night off the side of a ship traveling [Full Story]
• NASA Spacecraft, Russian Satellite Dangerously Close
• The Department of Defense is monitoring a close pass between NASA’s [Full Story]
• San Francisco Voting on Using AI, Drones to Fight Crime
• San Francisco will vote next week on a divisive ballot measure that [Full Story]
• Supreme Court Trains Sights on US ‘Bump Stocks’ Ban
• The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday is set to consider the legality [Full Story]
• Flu-Hit Pope Francis Briefly Taken to Hospital
• Pope Francis, who has been suffering from the flu, was brought to a [Full Story]
• Biden Issues Order to Protect Americans’ Sensitive Data
• President Joe Biden on Wednesday is signing an executive order aimed [Full Story]
• More Newsfront
• Finance
• Trump Seeks $100 Million Bond on $454.2M Judgment Amid Appeal
• Donald Trump is unable to post a full bond while he appeals a $454.2 million judgment that a judge imposed in New York state’s civil fraud case against him, and wants instead to secure a $100 million bond, his lawyers said Wednesday…. [Full Story]
• Bitcoin Hits $60,000 as Rally Snowballs
• US Housing Inflation Relief May Be Short-Lived
• Applied Materials Subpoenaed Again on China Shipments
• New Meta AI Model to Aim to Provide Context
• More Finance
• Health
• How Fluctuations in Temperature Can Make You Sick
• Much of the nation is experiencing large fluctuations in temperatures this week, with unseasonable highs, followed by drops of up to 40 degrees in 24 hours. Experts say that these fluctuations can make you more susceptible to getting sick. The popular saying, being “under…… [Full Story]
• Roger Marshall to Newsmax: Alabama Supreme Court ‘Overstepped’ on IVF
• Yoga Benefits Brain in Women at Risk for Alzheimer’s
• FDA Chief Concerned About Fake Weight Loss Drugs
• Pesticides, Herbicides Increase Parkinson’s Risk

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Notice: MHProNews invites the firms named in these reports to respond to any concerns about possibly inaccurate information via email that identifies the concern and offers evidence that sheds a different light on the topic discussed. That said, neither MHI nor MHI publicly traded ‘insider brands’ have done so. They’ve been repeatedly invited to do so, including an outreach on Dec 7, 2o23.

APO = Apolo Global Management – bought Inspire Communities

BAM = Brookfield Asset Management – owns and invests in manufactured home communities (MHCs).

BLK = BlackRock – conglomerate has investments in firms and operations involved in manufactured housing.

BRK-A = Berkshire Hathaway – includes outright ownership of Clayton Homes, 21st Mortgage Corp, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, other manufactured home industry linked firms (MHC brokerage, suppliers, etc.).

BX = Blackstone – Blackstone Group LP has made its first big bet on manufactured housing by buying a portfolio of communities sold by Tricon Capital Group Inc.

CDPYF = Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust – also has manufactured home communities (MHCs).

CIGI = Colliers International Group Inc. – The Manufactured Housing and RV Group “We Assist Owners and Investors with Disposition, Acquisition, and Financing for Manufactured Housing Communities and RV Parks.”

CG = The Carlyle Group – has manufactured home communities investments.

CSGP = CoStar Group – is commercial real estate’s leading provider of information, analytics and online marketplaces. They acquired listing service Homes.com.

CVCO = Cavco Industries – manufactured home and other factory-built housing production, retail, finance, insurance.

ECNCF = ECN Capital Group – includes manufactured home lender Triad Financial Services.

ELS = Equity LifeStyle Properties – includes land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs), but also RV and marine slips holdings. Also has captive manufactured home retail operations, and parent to Datacomp/MHVillage.

FGF = FG Financial Group – FG Communities “Owns and Operates Growing Portfolio of Manufactured Housing Communities.” KEY = KeyCorp – manufactured home community financing and manufactured home single-family mortgage financing.

KMMPF = Killam Apartment REITs- (includes manufactured home communities (MHCs).

LCII = LCI Industries – components for the manufactured home industry and others (RVs, housing, etc.).

LEGH = Legacy Housing – produces manufactured homes, tiny houses, retail, and captive finance operations.

LPX = Louisiana Pacific Corporation – components for the manufactured home industry and others (housing, etc.).

MHC-UN.TO = Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

MHPC = Manufactured Housing Properties – land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs).

MMI = Marcus and Millichap – commercial real estate brokerage services that include land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs).

NOBH = Nobility Homes – produces and offers captive retail, financing, and insurance services for HUD Code manufactured homes and modular homes.

PATK = Patrick Industries – components for the manufactured home industry and others (RVs, housing, etc.).

SKY = Skyline Champion – produces and offers captive retail, financing, and insurance for HUD Code manufactured homes and modular homes.

SUI = Sun Communities – includes land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs), but also RV and marine slips holdings. Also has captive manufactured home retail operations.

UMH = UMH Properties – includes land lease manufactured home communities and captive manufactured home retail, leasing, and financing operations.

UFPI = UFP Industries – components for the manufactured home industry and others (housing, etc.).

• • • NOTE 1: Chart above of manufactured housing connected equities includes the Canadian stock, ECN, which purchased Triad Financial Services, a manufactured home industry finance lender.
    • NOTE 2: Drew changed its name and trading symbol at the end of 2016 to Lippert (LCII).
    • NOTE 3: Deer Valley was largely taken private, say company insiders in a message to MHProNews on 12.15.2020, but there are still some outstanding shares of the stock from the days when it was a publicly traded firm.  Thus, there is still periodic activity on DVLY.
    • Note 4: some recent or related reports to the REITs, stocks, and other equities named above follow in the reports linked below.
    • Note 5: Gifts of Sight and Insights, What’s in Store for 2024? Including 2023 Year End Reflections, manufactured homes, manufactured housing, mobile homes, MHVille, USA Snapshots, Manufactured housing industry year in review 2023.

 

2023 …Berkshire Hathaway is the parent company to Clayton Homes, 21^st Mortgage, Vanderbilt Mortgage and other factory-built housing industry suppliers.
· LCI Industries, Patrick, UFPI, and LP each are suppliers to the manufactured housing industry, among others.
· AMG, CG, and TAVFX have investments in manufactured housing related businesses. For insights from third-parties and clients about our publisher, click here.

 

2022 was a tough year for many stocks. Unfortunately, that pattern held true for manufactured home industry (MHVille) connected stocks too. See the facts, linked above.

====================================

Disclosure. MHProNews holds no positions in the stocks in this report.

· For expert manufactured housing business development or other manufactured housing professional services, click here.
· To sign up in seconds for our industry leading emailed headline news updates, click here.

• Note 1: MHVille means manufactured housing industry, MHVille also means artificially smaller manufactured housing (MH) industry,
• Note 2: Manufactured housing, building, factories, retail, dealers, manufactured home, communities, passive mobile home park investing, suppliers, brokers, finance, financial services, macro-markets, manufactured housing stocks, Manufactured Home Communities Real Estate Investment Trusts, MHC REITs.
• Note 3:
  

  APO, Apollo Global Management, BAM, Brookfield Asset Management, BLK, BlackRock, BRK-A, Berkshire Hathaway, BX, Blackstone, CDPYF, Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, CIGI, Colliers International Group Inc, CG, The Carlyle Group, CSGP, CoStar Group, CVCO, Cavco Industries, ECNCF, ECN Capital Group, ELS, Equity LifeStyle Properties, FGF, FG Financial Group, FG Communities,  KEY, KeyCorp, KMMPF, Killam Apartment REITs, LCII, LCI Industries, LEGH, Legacy Housing, LPX, Louisiana Pacific Corporation, MHC-UN.TO, Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), MHPC, Manufactured Housing Properties, MMI, Marcus and Millichap, NOBH, Nobility Homes, PATK, Patrick Industries, SKY, Skyline Champion, SUI, Sun Communities, UMH, UMH Properties, UFPI, UFP Industries.

That’s a wrap on this installment of “News Through the Lens of Manufactured Homes and Factory-Built Housing” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, stock, investing, data, metrics, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.) (See Related Reports linked herein. Text/image boxes often are hot-linked to other reports that can be access by clicking on them.)

By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHProNews.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship along with numerous awards in history. There have been several awards, honors and numerous public recognitions for his achievements in manufactured housing. For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. Kovach is a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHLivingNews.com and MHProNews. MHProNews is ranked as the runaway most read trade media in modern manufactured housing history. Manufactured Home Pro News (MHProNews) is the documented #1 largest and most read source for manufactured housing industry News Tips and Views Pros Can Use, per Webalizer 2.23 and known data. MHProNews gets millions of visits a year and has significantly more pageviews per visit than CNN or Fox per SimilarWeb’s stats for those two sites (but those sites get more much more total traffic). Statistics Data Infographics Research Facts Evidence and manufactured housing industry expert analysis make us the runaway most read in MHVille trade media. This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s editorial views and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.