Amazon Cross Dock to Employ 2000, Strategies to Tackle Housing Inflation, and More
News from the local market
Market News
Amazon Expands in Inland Empire with Over 2000 New Jobs
- Amazon is opening two new inbound cross dock (IXD) facilities in Fontana and Jurupa Valley, creating more than 2000 full-time and part-time jobs with competitive starting pay and comprehensive benefits.
- The facilities aim to enhance supply chain efficiency by quickly moving goods through Amazon's logistics network, reflecting the company's commitment to growth and economic investment in the Inland Empire.
National Strategies to Tackle Housing Inflation
- Federal influence on housing prices is limited but can address issues such as construction material costs and efficient use of federal grants to help reduce prices.
- Proposed strategies include modernizing building codes with cost-decreasing innovations and supporting states experimenting with mid-rise building techniques to increase housing supply.
California's Housing Market Shows Improvement Amid Challenges
- Vacancy rates are improving across California, especially in San Francisco, highlighting the state's ongoing housing shortage despite strong demand and growing supply.
- Rising development costs, hybrid work models, and the aftermath of wildfires are influencing the multifamily housing sector, with high demand for both rental and for-sale units across major cities.
Related:
California Commercial Real Estate Outlook Remains Optimistic Despite Challenges (Source)
2025: A Transformative Year for the Housing Market (Source)
San Jacinto Commerce Center Among Top California Warehouse Projects
* The San Jacinto Commerce Center is listed among the top ten largest warehouse developments currently under review in California.
* This project signifies substantial growth in the state's logistics and supply chain infrastructure.
California Homebuilders Face Tariff Challenges with Canadian Lumber
- California homebuilders continue to rely on Canadian lumber, despite 25% tariffs, as they reconstruct homes destroyed by wildfires, due to the lack of local alternatives.
- The state’s dependency on Canadian lumber stems from limited logging options on government-owned land and insufficient local milling facilities and supply chains, which would take years to develop.
Construction Workforce Nears Peak in Southern California Despite Skills Gap
- Southern California's construction workforce reached 98% of its peak in December, employing 479,900 workers across six counties, though concerns about a skills gap remain.
- The number of construction jobs is just 2% below the recent high of 491,800 workers, indicating a fluid industry where crews are frequently moved to different sites to maintain employment.
Joann Fabric Retailer to Close Over 500 Stores Amid Bankruptcy
- Joann announced plans to shut down over 500 stores in the upcoming months as it navigates Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, aiming to facilitate a sale and maximize business value.
- The closures signify challenges faced in a market dominated by e-commerce, with California facing the highest potential impact with 61 locations listed for possible closure among 532 stores across the U.S.
Mysterious Firm Acquires Land in Joshua Tree National Park
- Darkhorse Tactical Investments, a Connecticut-based firm, has acquired over 100 acres of land in and around Whispering Pines, raising questions about future developments in the area.
- Public records indicate that individuals connected to the land purchases have ties to the hotel and hospitality industry, sparking speculation about potential lodging developments.