David Demos, Stop Population Decline

Minns Administration Push NSW Zoning Reform

The Minns administration in NSW plans to overhaul existing planning laws, targeting a significant increase in housing density. This push addresses the escalating housing crisis by lifting long-standing bans on building terraces, townhouses, and two-story apartment blocks. Overhauling Planning Laws Clearing Council

November 27, 2023

Research

Men’s Employment Crisis: Only 41% Experienced Steady Careers

In a groundbreaking study by Penn State and Ohio University (The Myth of Men’s Stable, Continuous Labor Force Attachment: Multitrajectories of U.S. Baby Boomer Men’s Employment by Adrianne Frech, Jane Lankes, Sarah Damaske, and Adrienne Ohler), researchers have unveiled the complex nature of

November 16, 2023

Updates

Japan’s Health Ministry Panel Proposes 100% Paternity Leave

Japan’s health ministry panel has recommended a significant enhancement to the country’s paternity leave benefits to encourage parents, especially fathers, to take more paid leave and spend more time with early child care. The proposed plan, announced Monday, is set to increase

November 14, 2023

Updates

Executive Directive 7: A Step Towards Housing Reform in LA

In response to Los Angeles’ severe housing crisis—one of the worst among major U.S. cities— and state pressure, Mayor Karen Bass introduced Executive Directive 7. This surprising executive action aims to cut bureaucratic obstacles and stimulate housing development across all income brackets. Background

November 9, 2023

Updates

Growing MKE: Milwaukee’s Clever Zoning Reform

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is making waves in YIMBY circles with its proposal known as “Growing MKE.” This bold plan, spearheaded by the Department of City Development (DCD), is set to redefine the housing development landscape in the city, making housing more accessible and

November 8, 2023

Updates

U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Rises, Marking a Troubling Trend

Health Shift: For the first time in nearly 20 years, the U.S. has experienced an alarming uptick in infant mortality rates, according to the CDC. A concerning trend has surfaced in American public health as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

November 3, 2023

people riding bicycle or motorcycle and walking during rain

Analysis·Updates

Xi says to start a ‘new trend of family’; refuses to help new families

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the pivotal role women play in shaping a “new trend of family” in light of the country’s ageing population and record-low birth rates. With increasing economic stagnation, the rising costs of raising children, and a trend of

October 31, 2023

Updates

Hong Kong: New Incentives to Counter Falling Birth Rates

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has announced a range of new measures to try to counter the city’s declining birth rate. Notably, a HK$20,000 (US$2,556) cash incentive will be given to parents holding permanent residency in Hong Kong for every newborn.

October 26, 2023

Updates

Italy’s Free-Fall Birth Rate: 2023’s First Half Seen 3,500 Fewer Births

Italy’s scenic coasts and rich history are overshadowed by a rapidly declining birth rate and conflicting governmental decisions. As Italy drafts its 2024 budget, one cannot help but wonder, will Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s actions start to reflect her vocal commitment to

October 26, 2023

france flag on gray concrete building near road

Research

Profit-Sharing in France: A Boost for Low-Skilled Workers

A recent NBER working paper (The Effects of Mandatory Profit-Sharing on Workers and Firms: Evidence from France by Elio Nimier-David, David Sraer & David Thesmar) examines France’s mandated profit-sharing scheme. This scheme obligates large firms to share excess profits with employees. But a few questions arises: are

October 24, 2023

Suggestions

David Demos