# affordability (news sources) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 5 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover affordability. Page: Feed: --- ## [While Single-Family Construction Market is Down 7%, Custom Homebuilding Remains Flat](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/while-single-family-construction-market-is-down-7-custom-homebuilding-remains-flat/) _2026-08-21 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Washington, DC, August 21, 2026—With overall single-family construction down almost 7% for the first seven months of 2026, custom homebuilding has been a relative bright spot for the residential construction industry. ## [NAHB Recaps Remodel Market in Early 2026](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/nahb-recaps-remodel-market-in-early-2026/) _2026-08-21 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Washington, DC, August 21, 2026—NAHB's recent Mid-Year Remodeling Forecast Update webinar reviewed how the remodeling industry has navigated—and will continue to weather—changing economic conditions, homeowner priorities and market demand. ## [Welton Davison Discusses Southwind’s Growth Strategy and Recent Sales Team Expansion](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-podcasts/welton-davison-discusses-southwinds-growth-strategy-and-recent-sales-team-expansion/) _2026-08-21 · Karen Rochette · Floor Daily_ August 21, 2026—Welton Davison, VP of Sales and Strategic Accounts at Southwind, and Kemp Harr discuss business conditions, Southwind’s growth strategy and the recent sales veterans the firm has hired. Listen to the interview for more details. ## [Rents Rose 2.3% YOY in July, Hitting Almost $2,000](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/rents-rose-2-3-yoy-hitting-almost-2000/) _2026-08-21 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Seattle, WA, August 21, 2026—The wave of new apartments that gave renters more options and more deals over the past two years is beginning to recede. The typical U.S. asking rent rose to $1,962 in July, up 2.3% from a year ago, the fastest annual pace in over a year, according to the Zillow Rental... ## [Ghost students: Why one-time identity verification is not enough](https://universitybusiness.com/ghost-students-why-one-time-identity-verification-is-not-enough/) _2026-08-21 · Mouhamad Mbacke · University Business_ Ghost students are viewed primarily as a financial aid problem. In reality, it is an institutional cybersecurity challenge that begins during enrollment and affects every system that depends on digital identity. The post Ghost students: Why one-time identity verification is not enough appeared first on University Business . ## [Academic censorship intensifies under new laws, report warns](https://universitybusiness.com/academic-censorship-intensifies-under-new-laws-report-warns/) _2026-08-21 · Liya Cui · University Business_ States are imposing gag orders, banning topics, taking more control of curricula and weakening tenure protections, PEN America says. The post Academic censorship intensifies under new laws, report warns appeared first on University Business . ## [Education Department recalculates student loan forgiveness counts, setting some PSLF borrowers back](https://universitybusiness.com/education-department-recalculates-student-loan-forgiveness-counts-setting-some-pslf-borrowers-back/) _2026-08-21 · CNBC · University Business_ Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which was created in 2007, wipes away the federal student debt of government and nonprofit workers after 10 years, or 120 qualifying monthly payments. The post Education Department recalculates student loan forgiveness counts, setting some PSLF borrowers back appeared first on University Business . ## [New accreditation rules move one step closer to reality](https://universitybusiness.com/new-accreditation-rules-move-one-step-closer-to-reality/) _2026-08-21 · Alcino Donadel · University Business_ Sweeping changes to how colleges select accreditors and access financial aid aim to cement the Trump administration's higher ed agenda. The post New accreditation rules move one step closer to reality appeared first on University Business . ## [Holcim Acquires Fermacell](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/holcim-acquires-fermacell/) _2026-08-21 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Zug, Switzerland, August 21, 2026—Holcim has entered into an agreement to acquire Fermacell from James Hardie Industries. ## [NAR Launches Commercial Real Estate Demand Index](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/nar-launches-commercial-real-estate-demand-index/) _2026-08-21 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Washington, DC, August 21, 2026--National Association of Realtors (NAR) has announced the launch of its Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Demand Index, a quarterly index designed to measure the economic drivers of commercial real estate demand across more than 300 U.S. metropolitan areas. ## [Web Coding With AI, Live (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/o3IOSeNztzvO) _2026-08-21 · **Sponsored**_ Collaborative screen sharing with simultaneous remote control, open source. ## [CoStar Completes Acquisition of Zonda](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/costar-completes-acquisition-of-zonda/) _2026-08-21 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Arlington, VA, August 21, 2026—CoStar Group—a provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, analytics, and 3D digital twin technology in the property markets—has completed its acquisition of Zonda, a provider of new home construction data, homebuilder software and residential real estate marketplaces, for $800 million in cash. ## [Saving for, Breaking Even on a Home May Cut Into Americans’ Retirement Savings](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/20/saving-for-breaking-even-on-a-home-may-extend-into-retirement-for-some-americans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=saving-for-breaking-even-on-a-home-may-extend-into-retirement-for-some-americans) _2026-08-20 · Demetria C. Lester · The MortgagePoint_ When it comes to housing budgets, a recent Zillow report revealed that on a national scale, the average American household can achieve the proper savings and benefit from purchasing a home rather than renting after approximately 15 years. The post Saving for, Breaking Even on a Home May Cut Into Americans’ Retirement Savings first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [Facing Ouster, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Moves to Rewrite the Rules](https://nysfocus.com/2026/08/20/brooklyn-democratic-party-bichotte-hermelyn-rules) _2026-08-20 · Chris Bragg · New York Focus_ We obtained party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn’s plan to upend an upcoming leadership vote. Opponents say they will likely sue. ## [Contrasting Perspectives: New Study Questions Housing Market’s Signs of Balance](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/20/housing-market-shows-signs-of-balance-yet-a-new-study-shows-contrasting-perspectives/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=housing-market-shows-signs-of-balance-yet-a-new-study-shows-contrasting-perspectives) _2026-08-20 · Demetria C. Lester · The MortgagePoint_ As the current housing market continues to divide financial lines, a recent report from Realtor.com reveals a “K-shaped market,” where affluent luxury buyers continue to participate while budget-conscious consumers are withdrawing altogether. The post Contrasting Perspectives: New Study Questions Housing Market’s Signs of Balance first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [Tenure-track faculty hires make an unexpected comeback](https://universitybusiness.com/tenure-track-faculty-hires-make-an-unexpected-comeback/) _2026-08-20 · Alcino Donadel · University Business_ The latest CUPA-HR report offers welcome news for a financially volatile sector. However, one survey sounds the alarm on a significant concern. The post Tenure-track faculty hires make an unexpected comeback appeared first on University Business . ## [Fannie Mae Sharply Raises Mortgage Rate Forecast Through mid-2027](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/20/fannie-mae-sharply-raises-mortgage-rate-forecast-through-mid-2027/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fannie-mae-sharply-raises-mortgage-rate-forecast-through-mid-2027) _2026-08-20 · Lance Murray · The MortgagePoint_ Fannie Mae now is predicting 30-year fixed mortgage rates will average 6.8% in the fourth quarter of 2026 and remain at that level through the first half of 2027. The post Fannie Mae Sharply Raises Mortgage Rate Forecast Through mid-2027 first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [HOAs Ramping Up Foreclosures Against Delinquent Homeowners](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/20/hoas-ramping-up-foreclosures-against-delinquent-homeowners/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hoas-ramping-up-foreclosures-against-delinquent-homeowners) _2026-08-20 · Lance Murray · The MortgagePoint_ Cash-strapped homeowners associations nationwide reportedly are taking a tougher stance on unpaid dues and pursuing foreclosure against more homeowners as communities grapple with mounting financial pressures. The post HOAs Ramping Up Foreclosures Against Delinquent Homeowners first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [National Debt Tops $40T After Doubling in Less Than a Decade](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/20/national-debt-tops-40t-after-doubling-in-less-than-a-decade/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=national-debt-tops-40t-after-doubling-in-less-than-a-decade) _2026-08-20 · Lance Murray · The MortgagePoint_ The Treasury Department's reported that the nation's debt reached $40.05 trillion on Aug. 18, more than double its level in 2017. Heavy government borrowing can impact the affordability of housing. The post National Debt Tops $40T After Doubling in Less Than a Decade first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [Louisiana’s college sports programs are losing money. Can sales taxes save them?](https://universitybusiness.com/louisianas-college-sports-programs-are-losing-money-can-sales-taxes-save-them/) _2026-08-20 · Louisiana Illuminator · University Business_ LSU was the only athletic department in Louisiana to make a profit—and even that was a narrow margin—in the 2024-25 academic year. The post Louisiana’s college sports programs are losing money. Can sales taxes save them? appeared first on University Business . ## [Florida colleges sign onto Trump admin’s higher education ‘Call to Action’](https://universitybusiness.com/florida-colleges-sign-onto-trump-admins-higher-education-call-to-action/) _2026-08-20 · Yahoo News · University Business_ Education Secretary Linda McMahon asked all university presidents and governing boards to address a series of questions and "describe to the American public your commitments to rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research and national service." The post Florida colleges sign onto Trump admin’s higher education ‘Call to Action’ appeared first on University Business . ## [100,000 Bonus Points Await You (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/9f1jc8iCn1WU) _2026-08-20 · **Sponsored**_ Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. ## [Don’t ban AI use in college essays. Change the prompt instead.](https://universitybusiness.com/dont-ban-ai-use-in-college-essays-change-the-prompt-instead/) _2026-08-20 · Arush Chandna · University Business_ For years, the college essay prompts have asked for a far too familiar story: a challenge you overcame, a person who shaped you, a belief you challenged and so on. The post Don’t ban AI use in college essays. Change the prompt instead. appeared first on University Business . ## [Report alleges U.S. solar recycling is mostly landfilling, offshoring in disguise](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/20/bombshell-report-alleges-u-s-solar-recycling-is-mostly-landfilling-offshoring-in-disguise/) _2026-08-20 · Ben Zientara · pv magazine USA_ A new white paper from Sustainable Source Studios cites regulatory filings, industry disclosures and IEA lifecycle datasets in concluding that most U.S. solar module recycling yields degraded, landfilled, or offshored material. ## [Housing Affordability Declined in Q2](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/housing-affordability-declined-in-q2nahb/) _2026-08-20 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Washington, DC, August 20, 2026—After three consecutive quarters of modest improvement, housing affordability declined in the second quarter as higher mortgage rates, rising construction costs and economic uncertainty weighed on the market. ## [Proposed 1 GW Louisiana solar farm faces local pushback](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/20/proposed-1-gw-louisiana-solar-farm-faces-local-pushback/) _2026-08-20 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ A proposed 1 GW solar and storage facility in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, faces mounting opposition from a state lawmaker and local residents over land-use and community impact concerns. ## [RFP alert: Appalachian Power seeks 800 MW of battery storage in Virginia](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/20/rfp-alert-appalachian-power-seeks-800-mw-of-battery-storage-in-virginia/) _2026-08-20 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ The utility has issued two solicitations to meet Virginia Clean Economy Act requirements by 2040. ## [Florida district deploys 375 solar streetlights via infrastructure-as-a-service model](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/20/florida-district-deploys-375-solar-streetlights-via-infrastructure-as-a-service-model/) _2026-08-20 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ The Sun ’N Lake Improvement District partnered with Sustainability Partners to install off-grid LED streetlights, bypassing traditional utility trenching costs and grid-connection delays. ## [Rent Burden Most Greatly Impacts Families with Children](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/rent-burden-most-greatly-impacts-families-with-children/) _2026-08-20 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Seattle, WA, August 20, 2026—Amid rising inflation and childcare costs, families today face another affordability hurdle: rent burden. A new Zillow and StreetEasy analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey data shows that approximately one in three family households with children under the age of 18 today are renting their home, and more than half of those families (54.1%) are… ## [INSTALL Expands Westward](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/install-expands-westward/) _2026-08-20 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Washington, DC, August 20, 2026—INSTALL, the North American leader in floorcovering installation training and certification, has significantly expanded recognition of its apprenticeship and workforce training in the western United States in response to contractor demand and skilled labor needs across the flooring industry. ## [Proposed $67 billion utility merger sparks concern about rooftop solar access, bill affordability](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/20/proposed-67-billion-utility-merger-sparks-concern-about-rooftop-solar-access-bill-affordability/) _2026-08-20 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ A potential merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy is raising concerns among Virginia clean energy advocates and state officials over the potential impact on rooftop solar policies, net metering protections, and long-term bill affordability. ## [Southwind Adds Four New Hires to Sales Team](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/southwind-adds-four-new-hires-to-sales-team/) _2026-08-20 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Dalton, GA, August 19, 2026—Southwind Floors has strengthened its sales organization with the addition of Gavin Miller, Andy Friedlander and Rick Davis as territory managers and Jody Clayton as inside sales manager. ## [Dissecting Series A Rounds (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/9pke4o5o7rJB) _2026-08-20 · **Sponsored**_ Two real Series A cases: timelines, investor sequencing, and common founder mistakes. ## [Three Takeaways From Our Investigation Into a Shady New York Union](https://nysfocus.com/2026/08/20/ibotu-local-713-new-york-takeaways) _2026-08-20 · Sam Mellins · New York Focus_ IBOTU pays its bosses millions, and employers use it to fend off more aggressive unions. ## [Study Reveals the Best U.S. Markets for Construction, Value & More](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/19/study-reveals-the-best-u-s-markets-for-construction-value-more/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=study-reveals-the-best-u-s-markets-for-construction-value-more) _2026-08-19 · Demetria C. Lester · The MortgagePoint_ To identify the top local real estate markets in the country, WalletHub analyzed 300 cities of different sizes based on essential indicators of housing market appeal and economic robustness, providing homebuyers with more education when choosing a home to settle down in. The post Study Reveals the Best U.S. Markets for Construction, Value & More first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [Cash Buyers Retreating Swiftly as the Volume of Sales Diminishes](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/19/cash-buyers-retreating-swiftly-as-the-volume-of-sales-diminishes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cash-buyers-retreating-swiftly-as-the-volume-of-sales-diminishes) _2026-08-19 · Demetria C. Lester · The MortgagePoint_ According to new Realtor.com data, in early 2026, cash transactions represented more than 30% of home sales, as a combination of declining prices, better inventory levels, and a more balanced market facilitated the return of more financed buyers. The post Cash Buyers Retreating Swiftly as the Volume of Sales Diminishes first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [Fed Meeting Minutes Reveal Case for Immediate Rate Hike](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/19/fed-meeting-minutes-reveal-case-for-immediate-rate-hike/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fed-meeting-minutes-reveal-case-for-immediate-rate-hike) _2026-08-19 · Lance Murray · The MortgagePoint_ In a 9-3 vote at its July FOMC meeting, some members said they believed a rate hike was needed to battle inflation. In the end, the rates held steady. The post Fed Meeting Minutes Reveal Case for Immediate Rate Hike first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [Multifamily Giants AvalonBay, Equity Residential Complete Their Merger](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/19/multifamily-giants-avalonbay-equity-residential-complete-their-merger/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=multifamily-giants-avalonbay-equity-residential-complete-their-merger) _2026-08-19 · Lance Murray · The MortgagePoint_ The merger created Vivmark Residential, which now is one of the country's largest real estate companies with an equity market capitalization of roughly $51 billion and an enterprise value of about $70 billion, with more than 184,000 rental apartments and over 11,100 apartments under construction. The post Multifamily Giants AvalonBay, Equity Residential Complete Their Merger first appeared on The… ## [Home Prices Post Fastest Annual Gain in a Year Despite Tepid Demand](https://themortgagepoint.com/2026/08/19/u-s-home-prices-rose-in-july-but-almost-unchanged-from-a-month-earlier/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=u-s-home-prices-rose-in-july-but-almost-unchanged-from-a-month-earlier) _2026-08-19 · Lance Murray · The MortgagePoint_ U.S. home prices rose 3.4% year over year in July, according to Redfin, as luxury buyers helped prop up the market despite high mortgage rates and a growing seller surplus. The post Home Prices Post Fastest Annual Gain in a Year Despite Tepid Demand first appeared on The MortgagePoint . ## [Essential system testing every solar project needs for long-term performance](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/19/essential-system-testing-every-solar-project-needs-for-long-term-performance/) _2026-08-19 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ Comprehensive proactive testing across all operational stages, from commissioning to routine maintenance, is essential to identify hidden electrical, structural, and communication faults before they trigger severe safety risks, costly downtime, and lost energy revenue. ## [EDF power solutions secures PPAs with NV Energy for 400 MW solar-plus-storage project](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/19/edf-power-solutions-secures-ppas-with-nv-energy-for-400-mw-solar-plus-storage-project/) _2026-08-19 · Ben Zientara · pv magazine USA_ The deal involves power from the Winston Energy Project, which will include 400 MWac of solar generation paired with a 400 MW/1,600 MWh battery energy storage system, with operations slated for 2029. ## [Lowe’s Sales Up 8.3% in Q2, Comp Sales Up 0.2%, Earnings Flat](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/lowes-sales-up-8-3-in-q2-comp-sales-up-0-2-earnings-flat/) _2026-08-19 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Mooresville, NC, August 19, 2026—Lowe’s reported Q2 2026 sales were $26.0 billion, an 8.3% increase compared to $24.0 billion in the prior-year quarter. Comp sales for Q2 increased 0.2% driven by strong performance in Pro and home services sales, as well as a 15.7% increase in online sales, partially offset by persistent DIY macro pressures.... ## [Architecture Billings Posted Modest Decline in July to 46.6](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/architecture-billings-posted-modest-decline-in-july-to-46-6/) _2026-08-19 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Washington, DC, August 19, 2026—The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for July was 46.6, signaling a modest decline from June. ## [TOYO revenue surges 88% in H1 2026 as U.S. solar market drives growth](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/19/toyo-revenue-surges-88-in-h1-2026-as-u-s-solar-market-drives-growth/) _2026-08-19 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ Sales to U.S. customers reached $210.5 million, accounting for over 80% of total revenue as the company advances its 2 GW module and 1.5 GW cell manufacturing hub in Texas. ## [LG Energy Solution starts battery production at new Lansing facility](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/19/lg-energy-solution-starts-battery-production-at-new-lansing-facility/) _2026-08-19 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ The $2 billion plant will manufacture LFP cells for utility-scale energy storage systems alongside high-density NMC cells for electric vehicles. ## [Employers are ghosting college grads and rescinding offers, destroying morale](https://universitybusiness.com/employers-are-ghosting-college-grads-and-rescinding-offers-destroying-morale/) _2026-08-19 · SFGATE · University Business_ Navigating the job market has been demoralizing, especially for those who are just now graduating college and entering a tumultuous workforce rife with ghost jobs, smug artificial intelligence agents and disturbing “blue people.” The post Employers are ghosting college grads and rescinding offers, destroying morale appeared first on University Business . ## [Politics drove antisemitism probes against Ivy League schools, DOJ whistleblower says](https://universitybusiness.com/politics-drove-antisemitism-probes-against-ivy-league-schools-doj-whistleblower-says/) _2026-08-19 · The Washington Post · University Business_ The Trump administration task force charged with investigating antisemitism on Ivy League campuses pressured universities into punitive settlements despite turning up little to no evidence of systemic abuse, according to a whistleblower complaint The post Politics drove antisemitism probes against Ivy League schools, DOJ whistleblower says appeared first on University Business . ## [AI won’t replace the liberal arts. It may renew them.](https://universitybusiness.com/ai-wont-replace-the-liberal-arts-it-may-renew-them/) _2026-08-19 · Michael Brach · University Business_ The liberal arts have never been about accumulating isolated bodies of knowledge. They have been about helping students recognize relationships among ideas. The post AI won’t replace the liberal arts. It may renew them. appeared first on University Business . ## [Ensuring safety of plug-in solar](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/08/19/ensuring-safety-of-plug-in-solar/) _2026-08-19 · Ryan Kennedy · pv magazine USA_ Plug-in solar legislation being adopted across the country has many commonalities including the requirement of a UL mark of safety. ## [Mortgage Applications Declined 0.4% in Week Ending August 14](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/mortgage-applications-declined-0-4-in-week-ending-august-14/) _2026-08-19 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Washington, DC, August 19, 2026— Mortgage applications in the United States declined 0.4% on a weekly basis in the week ending August 14, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey. ## [Deadline for Jim Walker Flooring Installer Excellence Award Extended Until August 21](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/deadline-for-jim-walker-flooring-installer-award-extended-until-august-21/) _2026-08-19 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Chattanooga, TN, August 19, 2026—The submission period for the first annual Jim Walker Flooring Installer Award has been extended until August 21. ## [Jaeckle Distributors Announces Partnership with Kährs](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/jaeckle-distributors-announces-partnership-with-kahrs/) _2026-08-19 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Madison, WI, August 19, 2026—Jaeckle Distributors has announced a new partnership with Kährs to distribute the Kährs offering of wood flooring and luxury vinyl tile products throughout the Midwest. ## [U.S. Leads Global Hotel Construction Pipeline](https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/u-s-leads-global-hotel-construction-pipeline/) _2026-08-19 · Jessica Chevalier · Floor Daily_ Portsmouth, NH, August 19, 2026—The Q2 2026 Global Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE) reveals that the global hotel construction pipeline reaches a new all-time high project count with 15,976 projects/2,433,948 rooms.