The economy is improving rapidly, but there are undercurrents in a lot of areas. Many who lost positions may not be hired back and the most needy in society have a very short range of options. Please contribute to food banks, to child care programs and housing. It will help.

I'm on a web program today with Jeff Adler - National MF Outlook, Yardi Matrix. I'm happy to offer commentary and observations. 1 p.m. Eastern.

Commercial real estate had a banner year in 2019, and with little question, 2020 looks to remain positive. Now let's solve affordability for our people.

Jack Dangermond is a brilliant gentleman. Always happy to hear his views. #EsriUCLive via @esri

U.S. multifamily rents continued their strong seasonal gains in April, rising $4 to $1,377, and have now increased by $10 over the last two months, the market’s best performance since last spring. On a year-over-year basis, rents are up 2.4% through April. Yardi Matrix reports.

The April Employment Situation Report came in at 164,000, somewhat below the trend of 191,000 over the past year. With unemployment standing at 3.9%, the economy continues to show positive results, but I'm still worried.

I am attending the CBRE MF Conference this week - Yardi Matrix is the sponsor.

Northeastern University says 58% of Americans believe artificial intelligence is a greater threat to jobs than immigration and offshoring. The 18-35 year olds say technology poses the deepest threat.

Pension Real Estate Association this week in Los Angeles. I hope to see you there.

The average multifamily rent in the U.S. rose $1 to $1,362 in January, a 2.8% year-over-year increase, according to a survey of 121 markets by Yardi Matrix.

I'll be at the National Multifamily Housing Council meeting at Bonnet Creek, Orlando next week. I hope to see you there.

Excellent program today by Jeff Adler, YardiMatrix.com - on the current state of commercial real estate and the forecast for 2018. The issues, the likely impacts from Congress and future technological implications are a fascinating way to develop strategy.

The current homeownership rate rose slightly to 63.9%, while still low by most trends, it is expected to approach 65% in the next few years.

The economy is showing continued growth despite some slowing trends. My long range forecast shows better results in 2021.

Yardi donated $1 million to Hurricane Harvey relief with a dollar for dollar employee match. A great organization, very generous.

Best wishes for a safe outcome, Hurricane Irma communities and residents.

According to Yardi Matrix Chicago will receive a record level of new deliveries, with more than 8,000 expected to come online in 2017.

Yardi Matrix reports Dallas has $1.5 billion worth of MF assets traded in the first five months of 2017 and 48,000 units under construction.

Off to NAA @NAAEduConf . Home to see you there in Atlanta.

Office rents will see a resurgence throughout 2017 and then slow dramatically in most major markets. Small markets will outperform.