Crisis Explained—Trump Homes Plan & 5M Home Shortage
Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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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