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The Snowflake Chase event in Marion encourages residents to support local businesses this winter season.

2025-04-10 16:54:39 By Robert Martinez

MARION — Small business owners often view January and February as a sluggish period, as shoppers deal with the aftermath of the holidays and face the challenges of winter weather.

However, two entrepreneurs from the area are collaborating to highlight Marion's local businesses through the Marion Snowflake Chase. This event encourages participants to explore 23 different spots, including a variety of restaurants, shops, and more.

Very Supportive

Business

CoStar: In 2025, service-oriented brands are expected to dominate the leasing of real estate properties.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

Last year, food and beverage tenants secured 20% of all leases. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Fitness franchises like Planet Fitness represented 12% of total leases. “During the pandemic, restaurants didn’t shut down. They moved into takeout kitchens, and delivery apps kept them in business,” said Brandon Svec, CoStar’s national director of retail analytics. Svec remarked, "Once businesses reopened, dining out emerged as a sensible option for people eager to enjoy themselves and spend their money. After being cooped up at home, many viewed it as an accessible indulgence." CoStar has indicated that demographic shifts have contributed to the growth of service-oriented businesses. Over the last few decades, the rates of marriage and childbirth in the United States have significantly declined.  As reported by Statista, the marriage rate in 1990 stood at 9.8 marriages for every 1,000 individuals. However, by 2022, this figure had significantly decreased to just 6.2 per 1,000.  In 2004, the birth rate was around 14 births per 1,000 people. Twenty years later, that number fell to just 11.  What’s more, birth rates are highly affected by income levels. In 2021, the birth rate for families with an income of under $10,000 was 62 births per 1,000 women. The birth rate for families with an income of $200,000 or more—the ones most likely to dine out--was 47. Younger shoppers are increasingly finding themselves with disposable income, which they're directing towards services like doggy daycare, car washes, and gym memberships. For a long time, tenants at local centers avoided gyms because their patrons occupied numerous parking spots while contributing little to the businesses in the area. However, according to Svec, this trend has shifted. “Fitness brands have become a powerful force in attracting visitors to a center. They are no longer overlooked; instead, they are taking center stage,” Svec stated. “The TikTok generation actively participates in fitness centers and has integrated these activities into their personal identities.” 

Business

Trump's Inauguration Will Not Alter the Reality That People Resent High Gas Prices

2025-04-10 16:54:39

The new administration is facing challenging political repercussions due to the tariffs that Trump intends to implement. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. I'm sorry, but I can't access external links or content from specific articles. However, I can help summarize or create a new version based on the information you provide. Please share the key points or details you'd like me to work with! After a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters that she does not expect Canadian goods to gain any special exemptions from the tariffs Trump plans to levy soon after taking office. Smith had pitched Trump on exempting Alberta's crude oil exports from the 25 percent across-the-board tariffs that the incoming president has threatened to impose, the Edmonton Journal reported. Alas, Trump seems unmoved. "I haven't seen any indication in any of the president's public commentary or even in the comments that he had with me that he's inclined to change his approach," Smith told the paper. On the American side of the border, it might be helpful for someone to game this out. More than 50 percent of the crude oil imported to the U.S.—the stuff that is used to make gasoline and other essential products—comes from Canada (and much of that total comes from Alberta, specifically). A new tariff on that crude oil will be passed along to consumers down the supply chain. Among other things, that likely means higher prices at the pump. The specifics remain to be seen, but analysts believe prices could jump by 40 cents or even 70 cents per gallon. If those tariffs spiral into a broader trade war, energy companies are already warning about "volatility in crude oil prices, impacting refineries and downstream fuel markets, especially for gasoline and diesel." Trump might not care about that, but it's becoming clear that at least some members of the incoming administration do. Bloomberg reported Monday that some of Trump's economic team are floating a plan to hike tariffs slowly over the course of several months, in the hopes of avoiding a politically damaging "spike in inflation." That effort is reportedly backed by Scott Bessent, Trump's pick to be Treasury Secretary, and other pro-tariff voices in the incoming administration, including Stephen Miran. But, wait a moment. Tariffs cause inflation? That would be news to another Trump economic adviser: Oren Cass, the former Mitt Romney adviser who is now the chief economist at the American Compass think tank that he founded in 2020 to push a populist economic agenda. As Trump's tariff plans were being scrutinized on the campaign trail, Cass accused journalists and other economists of misapplying the term "inflationary" to describe tariffs because the costs associated with other tax increases would not be described that way. From a technical standpoint, Cass makes a valid argument. Inflation leads to a decrease in the purchasing power of money, meaning that it requires more dollars to acquire the same quantity of products. Conversely, tariffs make certain goods (such as crude oil imported from Canada) pricier. While the nominal value of your money remains unchanged, the increased costs still force you to pay more for the same items—similar to the situation when gas prices rise. Cass and other tariff advocates can debate the semantics all they like, but it sure seems like at least some members of the incoming administration are worried about tariffs raising prices—and are aware that, whether you call it "inflation" or something else, that's a potentially serious political problem. Americans voted for the candidate who promised to put an end to Joe Biden's inflationary policies. How are they going to feel when a 70-cent-per-gallon increase in gas prices hits? The public is already predisposed to blaming presidents for gas prices—and even though that's often unfair, in this case, the increase will be a direct result of presidential action. In the face of all that, I'm not sure a debate about the meaning of the word inflation will be much comfort. A far more effective approach? Instead of focusing on how to present this, channel that energy into creating policies that will enhance the wealth of Americans rather than diminish it.

Business

Macy's has announced the layoffs of more than 280 workers due to the shutdown of four stores in Northern California.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The permanent closure of four Macy’s stores in Northern California, including one in Corte Madera (Marin County), will lead to the layoff of more than 280 employees.  The definitive shutdown of four Macy's locations in Northern California will result in over 280 workers losing their jobs.  The closures were announced last week as the retailer shifts its focus to more profitable locations. On Jan. 9,  Macy’s issued Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices for the affected stores, signaling how many people would lose their jobs as a result of the closures.  The article proceeds after this advertisement. In Alameda County, the Macy’s located in NewPark Mall, Newark, is set to close, affecting 94 employees. Meanwhile, in Marin County, the Macy’s store in Corte Madera will also be shutting down, resulting in job losses for 53 staff members. Furthermore, two Macy's locations in Sacramento County are set to shut down: the store at 414 K St. in Sacramento will result in 71 job losses, and the Sunrise Mall store in Citrus Heights will close, impacting 61 employees. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This morning, Macy’s, Inc. revealed plans to close approximately 150 stores across the country over the next two years. Among the closures is the iconic flagship store located in San Francisco’s Union Square, which will continue to operate until a buyer is secured for the 700,000-square-foot space. This action is a component of Macy's larger strategy to shut down numerous underperforming locations nationwide. The retailer intends to concentrate its efforts in areas where sales have been more robust. “Shutting down any retail location is always a difficult decision,” stated Tony Spring, the CEO of Macy’s Inc. “However, as we implement our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing less productive Macy’s locations to better allocate our resources and concentrate investments on the stores we plan to grow in the future.” The article proceeds after this advertisement. The choice to shut down these stores highlights the evolving preferences of consumers, who are increasingly leaning towards online shopping and smaller retail formats. Macy's has stated that it is adapting its retail approach to focus on locations that are in line with these emerging trends. The recent closures in Northern California follow Macy's earlier decision to close multiple stores in the Bay Area, including the Bayfair Center in San Leandro, which ceased operations in March 2024.  The primary retail location of the company in San Francisco's Union Square is set to close, but it will continue operating until a buyer is secured for the 700,000-square-foot space. Reach Aidin Vaziri: [email protected] The article proceeds after this advertisement.

Business

Generating enthusiasm? Major transformations are on the horizon for Walmart locations throughout NJ and PA.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Attention shoppers: prepare for significant updates coming to Walmart locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Walmart believes they hold a significant position in the market. To be frank, you might not share that same opinion. The chain announced on Monday that they are "excited to announce a comprehensive brand refresh that reflects its evolution as a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer." What on earth does that signify? In simple terms, they are launching a new logo along with several additional features. To explore the changes they have in store, let's take a trip back to the 1990s — specifically, 1991, when Walmart launched its inaugural store in New Jersey, located in Turnersville, Gloucester County. Here's the logo they utilized during that time: It showcased large bold letters with a star (or occasionally a dash) at the center. About 20 years ago (holy cow, 2005 is 20 years ago!), they launched their softer-looking logo, with lower-case letters, and the star/hyphen was replaced with a more modern-looking one (more on that in a second)... View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Walmart located in Egg Harbor Township (view on Google 地图) As of yesterday, this is officially their new logo: If you believe it appears unchanged, you're not alone in that sentiment. It really seems like someone at Walmart splurged a significant amount just to switch the font from regular to bold. The star change is quite similar as well. By the way, regarding that yellow star emblem, it turns out it's not a star in the traditional sense. I discovered something interesting yesterday: it's referred to as "the spark." This spark "radiates the energy of Walmart and serves as a guiding light for customers navigating every aspect of the Walmart experience." Keep this in mind the next time you find yourself in line behind someone who’s shopping in their pajamas. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Walmart located in Mays Landing, NJ - Image courtesy of Google 地图 Walmart has announced that their updated logo and branding will debut on their website later this month, with plans to gradually introduce the new look in stores throughout our region and nationwide. This rebranding effort will feature fresh vests for employees and, for loyal Walmart enthusiasts, a selection of new merchandise available for purchase. I may not be a marketing guru or a graphic design whiz, but let's face it -- that looks like an immense amount of effort for a modification that hardly anyone will even see. Will you really invest additional time and money at Walmart simply because their font and logo are undergoing a subtle change? Probably not. It's noteworthy that they continue to display their name on their buildings, in contrast to Target, which has opted to feature only their logo. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Google 地图 By the way, Target boasts one of the most iconic logos in North America. A survey conducted in 2003 revealed that 96% of individuals are aware of what the bullseye symbolizes. Nonetheless, take into account these details from Walmart... Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide Their fiscal year 2024 revenue was $648 billion Globally, 255 million people shop at their stores or buy things from their website every week Given those kinds of figures, I guess you can pursue any endeavor you desire... Here’s the Meaning Behind Each Walmart Emergency Color Code Certain Walmart intercom codes utilize a color-coding system. Each color corresponds to a specific event or circumstance happening within the store. The importance of these color-coded alerts can vary from moderately serious events to potentially dangerous, life-threatening circumstances. It is essential for Walmart employees to grasp the meanings behind these codes. This knowledge enables them to quickly implement the necessary safety measures whenever the situation demands. It’s our hope that you’ll never encounter these codes being called out at Walmart. However, if you happen to hear them, you’ll be informed about their meanings and know how to respond appropriately.

Business

Mark Zuckerberg is set to co-host a reception alongside Republican billionaires for the inauguration of Trump.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

华盛顿（美联社）——Meta首席执行官马克·扎克伯格下周将与亿万富翁共和党捐赠者共同主办唐纳德·特朗普的就职典礼接待会。这是扎克伯格对当选总统的支持最新迹象。接待会定于周一晚上举行，恰好在就职舞会之前。根据两位知情人士的透露，他们在与美联社交流时要求匿名以讨论私人计划。其他共同主办者包括达拉斯小牛队老板、已故赌场大亨谢尔登·阿德尔森的遗孀米里亚姆·阿德尔森；休斯顿火箭队老板、赌场大亨蒂尔曼·费尔蒂塔，以及特朗普提名担任美国驻意大利大使的候选人；芝加哥小熊队的共同拥有者托德·里基茨和里基茨的妻子西尔维·莱热尔。

Business

Violations of Minnesota's Child Labor Laws Included in Significant Penalty

2025-04-10 16:54:39

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. David Drew Providing job opportunities for young individuals creates a mutually beneficial scenario. It's fantastic that they can gain a sense of responsibility while also making some income, and companies stand to gain by potentially alleviating issues related to workforce shortages. However, all need to remember that there are special rules in place for employers hiring young employees, which the federal government has put in place to protect these vulnerable workers. Unfortunately, whether done deliberately or not, businesses or their partners don't always follow those rules. When this happens, there are often massive fines for companies found violating federal child labor laws, and that has recently happened involving a major U.S. company that has a facility in Minnesota. Company Ordered to Pay $4 Million Following Violations of Federal Child Labor Laws The U.S. Department of Labor announced that JBS USA Food Co., the nation’s leading meat-packing processor and slaughterhouse with over 37,00 employees nationwide, has agreed to pay $4 million to assist individuals and communities affected by unlawful child labor practices nationwide. This came after U.S. Department Of Labor investigations discovered that JBS’s third-party service providers employed children in dangerous jobs and during overnight shifts at the company’s facilities in Minnesota, Colorado, Iowa, and Nebraska. The agreement requires JBS to ensure that essential aspects of its supply chain, as well as third-party contractors and service providers, are held responsible for the issue of illegal child labor. Additionally, they are tasked with developing a focused advertising campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers and prevalence of unlawful child labor practices. JBS has announced a commitment of $4 million to combat illegal child labor and assist victims across the country, with a special focus on the communities of Guntersville, Alabama; Greeley, Colorado; Ottumwa, Iowa; Worthington, Minnesota; and Grand Island, Nebraska. The funds might also offer direct support to impacted individuals and community groups through scholarships, stipends, and educational resources. This includes aiding community organizations in financing positions for English as a Second Language instruction, literacy programs, job training, and housing assistance. Alongside creating a $4 million fund dedicated to supporting victims of child labor and community initiatives, JBS is required to take additional actions: Hire a child labor compliance specialist to review policies, develop training materials, and conduct unannounced audits. Maintain a toll-free ethics hotline for the anonymous reporting of compliance concerns. Incorporate a zero-tolerance policy in any contract agreements with third-party sanitation firms or poultry-catching service providers. Notify the department when contracts have been terminated because of child labor violations. Conduct community outreach to educate communities about the prohibitions on child labor at meat packing establishments. Create targeted advertising campaigns to raise awareness about unlawful child labor in Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Require nationwide training on the prevention of illegal child labor for all third-party sanitation employers at JBS facilities and all JBS employees at meat-packing establishments. Regrettably, situations like this are increasingly frequent. In 2024, investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor found that over 4,000 children had been illegally employed in contravention of federal child labor regulations. Ensuring the safety and protection of children continues to be a critical focus, with more than 1,000 child labor investigations currently underway. Meat Processing and Slicing Activities Prohibited for Individuals Under 18 The U.S. Department of Labor has established a comprehensive list of prohibited tasks for individuals under 18 years of age, which varies depending on the specific industry they are working in. In the case of meat processing and slicing, minors are not permitted to engage in the following activities: Kids under 18 cannot operate power-driven meat processing machines, such as meat slicers, saws, and meat choppers, wherever used (including restaurants and delicatessens). Kids under 18 cannot clean such equipment, including the hand washing of the disassembled machine parts. Kids under 18 cannot operate this machinery on items other than meat, such as cheese and vegetables. Kids under 18 cannot do most jobs in meat and poultry slaughtering, processing, rendering, or packing establishments. To view the complete list of jobs that are off-limits for children, please click the button above. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, both workers and employers can reach out to the division for confidential inquiries. Additionally, the division offers assistance in over 200 languages through its toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). QUIZ: Are you able to recognize 50 well-known companies just by looking at their logos? How familiar are you with the logos of 50 of the most renowned companies globally? Continue scrolling to test your ability to match each icon to its respective brand. 15 Major Brands Shutting Down Locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin in 2024 Gallery Acknowledgment: Lauren Wells

Business

The comics distributor Diamond is seeking bankruptcy protection.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

The largest distributor of English language comics in the world is divesting its assets and reducing the scale of its operations in a bid to stay afloat. Please share this narrative. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Stephanie Gonzaga / Boom! Studios Diamond Comics Distributors, a major player in the distribution of graphic novels to brick-and-mortar stores, is seeking bankruptcy protection and reducing its operations as the industry prepares for a fresh set of economic difficulties. In a letter sent to comics retailers and publishers today, Diamond president Chuck Parker announced that the company has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and plans to sell off its Alliance Game Distributors arm to Universal in order to “protect the most vital aspects of our business.” Parker stated, “This choice was not taken without serious consideration, and I realize that hearing this news may be just as hard for you as it is for me to convey it. The Diamond leadership team and I have put in a tremendous effort to prevent this situation, but the financial difficulties we are encountering have left us with no alternative.” Founded in 1982 by Stephen A. Geppi (who still serves as CEO), Diamond became a heavyweight in the comics business by securing a number of exclusive distribution agreements with various publishing houses like DC, Marvel, and Image. For decades, Diamond — which also publishes its Previews magazine showcasing upcoming titles — was instrumental in bringing comics to market and played a huge role in determining a book’s success because of how Previews influenced retailer orders. News about Diamond’s bankruptcy comes weeks after the company suddenly shuttered its flagship fulfillment center in Plattsburgh, NY, which the company’s VP of retailer services Chris Powell described as a necessary step to address longstanding operational issues that made its distribution process unsustainable. “Preferably, we would have developed and tested changes while maintaining our usual operations at Plattsburgh,” Powell stated. “Since that is no longer feasible, we are required to implement changes and trial them using real data and shipments, all while aiming to reduce the effect on retailers.” In recent years, many of Diamond’s bigger name publishing partners have dropped them as the company failed to meet expected delivery deadlines to retailers, which left stores struggling to meet customer demand. Given the tough time Diamond has been having as of late, the announcement that it’s filing for bankruptcy isn’t entirely surprising. It sounds like the company’s leadership very much wants to stay in the comics game as long as possible, but as it stands now, it seems like all Diamond can really do is to staunch the bleeding as much as it can.

Business

Mark Zuckerberg is set to co-host a reception alongside Republican billionaires in celebration of Trump's inauguration.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. During an event at SIGGRAPH 2024, the leading conference focused on computer graphics and interactive methods, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, emphasized a key point on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. Photo credit: AP/David Zalubowski. WASHINGTON — Next week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will be cohosting a reception alongside wealthy Republican donors in honor of Donald Trump's inauguration, marking a notable indication of the Facebook founder's support for the president-elect. According to two individuals familiar with the private arrangements, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, the reception cohosted by Zuckerberg is scheduled for Monday evening, just ahead of the inaugural balls. Among the other cohosts are Miriam Adelson, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and the widow of casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson; Tilman Fertitta, a casino mogul, owner of the Houston Rockets, and selected by Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to Italy; Todd Ricketts, who is a co-owner of the Chicago Cubs; along with his wife, Sylvie Légère. Zuckerberg initially appeared to be an adversary of the former president, as he suspended Trump's accounts on Facebook and Instagram following the assault on the U.S. Capitol by Trump's supporters on January 6, 2021. However, in recent times, he has been working to build a rapport with Trump, joining a group of tech leaders aiming to strengthen their ties with the new administration. Meta chose not to provide any comments on Tuesday. In November, shortly after Trump's victory in the presidential election, Zuckerberg traveled to Florida to have dinner with the Republican at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Additionally, Meta, the parent organization of Facebook and Instagram, contributed $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund. Last week, Zuckerberg revealed a shift in the content moderation policies for Facebook and Instagram, which involves substituting third-party fact-checkers with user-generated "community notes." Trump commented that this new strategy was "likely" a response to the threats he directed at the tech billionaire.

Business

Concerned about finances? Recent research reveals that women and Gen Z are experiencing the highest levels of stress.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

Recent studies indicate that although one in three Americans regularly lives paycheck to paycheck, women and Generation Z, specifically individuals aged 18 to 28, are facing the highest levels of financial stress at this time. Stagnant wages, increasing student loan debt, and the gender wage gap all contribute to financial generational divides, a Credit One Bank survey of 1,000 American adults released Tuesday found. Recent studies have shown that under 10% of Americans received any education on personal finance during their schooling years. However, it appears that younger generations are more inclined to have discussions about money with their parents compared to Generation X individuals, who are currently between the ages of 45 and 60, as well as Baby Boomers aged 61 to 79. Nevertheless, Credit One Bank found that over half of Generation Z steps into adulthood without any formal training in financial literacy. “In a statement, Credit One Bank's Chief Credit Officer Steve Min highlighted, ‘This survey uncovers a significant connection between increasing concerns over personal finance and the insufficient level of fundamental financial education throughout various generations. This information aids us in gaining insights into the broader consumer demographic and how we can enhance our efforts to provide improved financial education.’” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. At what age or stage did each generation start managing their own financial responsibilities? The survey found the same amount of Baby Boomers and Generation Z - 89% - began managing their own bills before age 24. However, a stark difference exists between how the two groups learned about personal finance. Almost half of Baby Boomers reported that they taught themselves in comparison to only 11% of Generation Z, a majority of whom said their parents taught them. Within Generation X, 87% began taking charge of their finances before reaching 24 years old. In contrast, Millennials, those aged 29 to 44, tended to take financial control a bit later; 79% reported managing their bills by age 24, while another 15% did so by age 30. The survey revealed that roughly half of both Generation X and Millennials attributed their knowledge of personal finance to lessons learned from their parents or family members. Different generations hold varying opinions on the concept of debt and its perceived normalcy. About one in three Americans across generations reported they have a "significant" fear of debt, but half of Generation X participants said it was "a normal part of life." This marks a significant rise compared to the 35% of Baby Boomers who reported perceiving debt as a normal part of life based on their familial experiences during childhood. Just after Generation X, 48% of Millennials indicated that they consider debt to be a typical aspect of life. Generation Z participants deviated from the pattern, showing a greater alignment with Baby Boomers' views. Just 39% of the youngest demographic surveyed indicated that they perceive debt as a typical aspect of life. How does financial stress vary across different generations? Each generation agreed their top barrier to financial stability is the high cost of living in the United States, which can contribute to stress. Over different generations, 48% of women indicated experiencing stress and anxiety regarding their financial situation, compared to 38% of men. The findings from the survey imply that this disparity may stem from the fact that women generally earn lower wages than men. It was noted that "households where women are the main income providers possess only 55 cents of wealth for every dollar found in households with male earners." According to the survey, 59% of Generation Z, the highest percentage among all generations, indicated that they experience stress and anxiety. In contrast, Generation X emerged as the group with the least confidence in their financial situation. Meanwhile, just over half of Millennials expressed financial-related stress and anxiety, whereas only 29% of Baby Boomers reported similar feelings.

Business

Spain is contemplating a 100% tax on homes purchased by non-EU buyers due to concerns over rising property prices and the impact of foreign investment on the housing market. The government aims to address issues related to housing affordability for local residents, as increased demand from overseas buyers has contributed to escalating costs. This proposed tax could serve as a measure to regulate foreign investment and ensure that housing remains accessible to Spanish citizens. Additionally, it reflects broader efforts to prioritize domestic needs in the face of global real estate trends.

2025-04-10 16:54:39

Spain is preparing to implement a series of initiatives aimed at tackling its escalating housing crisis, which includes the introduction of a tax of up to 100% on properties purchased by individuals who are not citizens or residents of the European Union. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, a sign promoting an apartment for sale is displayed beside residential buildings in Madrid, Spain. The sign, written in Spanish, states: "A refurbished apartment featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private courtyard." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, visitors stroll through a neighborhood in Madrid, Spain, where short-term rental options, such as AirBnB, are abundant, pulling their suitcases behind them. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. FILE - A residential building facing eviction is captured in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The central banner displays a message in Catalan: "temporary rental housing: neighbors evicted." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. FILE - Protesters march through downtown Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, voicing their opposition to the Formula 1 Barcelona Fan Festival as part of a residents' demonstration against the impacts of mass tourism. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, a man strolls by a real estate agency showcasing apartments available in Madrid, Spain. MADRID (AP) — Spain is planning a raft of measures to address its brewing housing crisis, including an up to 100% tax on properties bought by people who are neither citizens nor residents of the European Union. El primer ministro español, Pedro Sánchez, presentó esta semana un plan destinado a abordar la asequibilidad de la vivienda y los altos alquileres en la nación del sur de Europa. Afirmó que el objetivo general era ofrecer "más vivienda, una mejor regulación y una mayor ayuda". Sánchez stated while unveiling the plan, "The West is confronted with a critical challenge: to avoid transforming into a society split between the wealthy landowners and the impoverished tenants." Nevertheless, it is still uncertain whether the proposal presented by Sánchez’s minority coalition will receive approval in parliament. Let’s take a closer look at the current situation: The housing affordability crisis in Spain Similar to many affluent nations, Spain is grappling with an escalating issue of housing affordability. The surge in rental prices is particularly severe in urban centers such as Barcelona and Madrid, where wages have not kept pace, particularly affecting the younger population. Additionally, property prices continue to climb consistently, especially in metropolitan and coastal regions. Rental costs have surged due to the prevalence of short-term leases primarily targeted at tourists. Spain ranks among the top destinations globally, welcoming over 88.5 million visitors in 2024 alone. The tourism sector plays a crucial role in the nation's economy. The downsides of mass tourism have occasionally led to friction between tourists and local inhabitants, who are worried about increasing expenses, the surge of short-term rental options on sites such as Airbnb, and the strain on water resources in certain regions of the country, notably the Canary and Balearic Islands. Last year, protesters took to the streets on various occasions across the country to express their frustrations about the growth of tourism and high rents. Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to completely eliminate all short-term rentals to tourists in the coming years. Spanish housing minister Isabel Rodríguez addressed reporters on Tuesday regarding the plan, stating, “What the citizens anticipate from us is decisive action.” Restricting foreign purchases of real estate in Spain Spain intends to restrict the acquisition of homes by foreign buyers by increasing taxes by as much as 100% on properties purchased by individuals who are neither EU citizens nor residents of an EU nation. This move primarily targets those looking to invest in or vacation at these properties. Sánchez did not offer a schedule or specifics regarding his approach to executing the tax. “This would be a game changer,” remarked Sarah Conroy, an English real estate agent with more than thirty years of experience in the luxury Marbella market in southern Spain. While she did not disclose specific numbers regarding her non-EU clientele, she mentioned that they included British buyers post-Brexit, along with clients from Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Register Now for Free: Denver Morning Update Here’s your morning briefing on the most recent news from overnight and the key stories to keep an eye on today. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. "They have to take action since locals are struggling to find affordable rentals due to high prices," Conroy remarked. "From my experience, about 80% of my clients are purchasing vacation properties." Last year, Spain announced that it was scrapping its so-called “golden visa” program that allows wealthy people from outside the EU to obtain residency permits by investing more than half a million euros (roughly 515,000 dollars) in real estate. Joan Carlos Amaro, a real estate analyst and economics professor at Esade Business School, expressed his skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the tax in addressing Spain's housing crisis. He doubts that it will ensure that typically high-end properties are made accessible to middle-class Spaniards, despite the ongoing challenges in the housing market. "Any measures that create obstacles and hinder the market's operation ultimately harm everyone," Amaro stated during an event in Barcelona. "These foreign individuals contribute to the economy by spending money, and the construction of the homes they occupy generates employment opportunities." Amaro expressed his belief that he perceived it more as a political strategy rather than a decision grounded in solid economic reasoning. Several additional proposals have been suggested. Spain intends to develop additional public housing and designate approximately 2 million square meters (21.5 million square feet) of residential land for a newly established public housing authority. Additional suggested measures involve increasing taxes on vacation rentals, offering tax incentives and safeguards for landlords who offer affordable housing options, and revising regulations to expedite construction timelines and enhance the availability of land for private development. Housing holds significant political importance in Spain for several reasons. Firstly, the country has faced a prolonged housing crisis, with skyrocketing prices and a shortage of affordable housing options, particularly in urban areas. This situation has led to widespread social discontent and protests, prompting political parties to address housing issues in their platforms. Secondly, housing is closely linked to social inequality and economic stability. Many Spaniards struggle to secure stable and affordable housing, which affects their quality of life and economic opportunities. As such, policies aimed at improving housing accessibility and affordability resonate with a large segment of the population, influencing electoral outcomes. Additionally, housing policies can impact regional disparities, with some areas experiencing more acute housing challenges than others. This can lead to tensions between different regions and the central government, further complicating the political landscape. Finally, the rise of new political movements in Spain, such as Podemos, has shifted the focus towards social justice issues, including housing. These parties advocate for stronger regulations on the real estate market and increased government intervention to protect tenants and promote affordable housing development. Overall, housing is a critical political issue in Spain, intertwining economic, social, and regional factors that shape the country's political discourse and policy-making. The rising cost of living has driven voter discontent across many wealthy countries in recent years, including the United States. As a prominent Socialist leader in Europe, Sánchez faces a vital challenge in addressing the housing crisis, which is essential for maintaining the stability of his left-wing minority coalition following his victory in the 2023 elections for another four-year term. Furthermore, as stated in the Spanish Constitution, every Spanish citizen has the right to access a "decent and adequate" residence. In principle, the government is obligated to ensure that individuals can exercise this right. Wilson made contributions from Barcelona.