Morris Davis, a professor at Rutgers Business School specializing in real estate, has been appointed to the White House Council of Economic Advisers as the chief housing economist. The news follows the high profile appointment last week of Stephen Miran as head of the CEA.

In his new role, Davis will provide guidance to president Trump on policies aimed at reducing housing costs and expanding housing availability. His expertise will be crucial in advising on strategies to increase housing supply and alleviate regulations that drive up housing costs. 

Davis expressed his honor in serving the country and his dedication to making housing affordable for all, adding:

"My goal is to help the president make housing affordable for everyone."

New Chairman Steve Miran told Rutgers Business School, where Davis has been employed since 2014, that  “Morris will play a pivotal role as we work to build more homes and make housing affordable again for American families, helping to usher in President Trump’s economic Golden Age.”

The Dean of Rutgers Business School, Lei Lei, in turn praised Davis and his role so far in influencing public policy:

"Morris is a proven leader with innovative ideas that can positively affect real estate productivity and public policy today."

Davis received his PhD in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. He is noted for a much cited 2012 paper, which argued against subsidies for major US mortgage entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and for a cut in mortgage interest deductions. The latter is an approach that has also been proposed by president Trump. Davis further advocates, for example in a 2019 paper, for consideration of the current market when making policy changes that affect the cost of borrowing.

The Council of Economic Advisers, consisting of approximately 45 members, has been funded by Congress since 1946 to offer research supporting the president in formulating economic policies. Davis's appointment will last until December 2025.

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_{^{Image Credit: Rutgers Business School}}