Chicago Leader Hirsh Mohindra: Expertise in Multiple Industries

 Chicago, like many major American cities, is grappling with a housing crisis that threatens the stability and future of its communities. Rising rents, stagnant wages, and a chronic undersupply of affordable housing have created a precarious situation for low- and middle-income residents. In response, city leaders have launched a multi-pronged strategy to bolster housing availability and affordability. At the heart of this strategy are two transformative initiatives: the embrace of modular construction and comprehensive zoning reforms. Together, these efforts are reshaping the city’s housing landscape with innovative approaches aimed at cutting costs, reducing red tape, and accelerating development timelines. Modular Construction: Faster, Cheaper, Smarter Modular construction, the process of fabricating building components off-site and then assembling them on location, offers a promising solution to some of the most pressing challenges in urban development. In Chicago, the ado...

In recent years, the dream of homeownership has become increasingly elusive for many Illinois residents. Skyrocketing home prices, growing property taxes, and stagnant wage growth have combined to make buying a home — especially a first home — a daunting financial hurdle. In response to these challenges, state legislators in Illinois have introduced Senate Bill 148, a new proposal that seeks to offer tangible financial support for first-time and returning homebuyers. This legislation, known as the Illinois Home Buyer Savings Account Act, aims to address affordability by allowing residents to create tax-deductible savings accounts specifically designated for the purchase of a home. These accounts offer a tax-advantaged way for prospective buyers to prepare financially for one of the largest investments of their lives. “Senate Bill 148 represents a strategic approach to addressing the affordability crisis in Illinois,” says housing policy expert Hirsh Mohindra . “By incentivizing savings...

In 2025, the reintroduction and expansion of federal tariffs on imported materials sent a tremor through various sectors of the American economy. Among the industry’s most directly impacted has been real estate — particularly in urban centers like Chicago, where development and renovation efforts rely heavily on imported construction materials. The effect of these tariffs has not only been felt in developers’ budgets but also in the broader housing market, straining affordability and impeding progress on much-needed residential and commercial projects. The Tariffs: A Brief Overview The 2025 tariffs, aimed largely at bolstering domestic industries, have reimposed significant duties on steel, aluminum, and lumber imported from several countries. While intended to encourage American manufacturing, these tariffs have had the immediate effect of driving up costs for builders and developers who rely on a global supply chain to manage material costs and availability. For cities like Chica...

The rise of remote work has ushered in one of the most profound shifts in how we live and work since the Industrial Revolution. No longer tethered to corporate headquarters or metropolitan offices, remote professionals are crossing borders, embracing freedom, and shaping a new kind of global community: the digital nomad ecosystem. From the streets of Lisbon to the beaches of Bali, real estate markets are rapidly adapting to cater to this growing demographic. Countries are rolling out digital nomad visas, cities are transforming into “Zoom towns,” and traditional ideas of property ownership, leasing, and community living are being redefined. “Remote work has globalized lifestyle choices. It’s no longer about where your office is—it’s about where you want to live,” says Hirsh Mohindra , a global real estate advisor and commentator on emerging property trends. ________________________________________ Lisbon: The European Haven for Remote Workers Lisbon has become synonymous w...

 In today’s digital age, technology is no longer just something we carry in our pockets — it’s something we live in. Smart cities, defined by their integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven decision-making, are transforming not just how we move and interact in cities but how we build and invest in them. Real estate — historically one of the most stable and traditional industries — is undergoing a dramatic transformation as urban environments become more connected, automated, and responsive to human behavior. The Smart City Concept: From Vision to Reality The idea of a “smart city” has evolved from theoretical urban planning models into tangible, functioning ecosystems. These cities leverage technology to optimize infrastructure, reduce environmental footprints, and improve the quality of life for residents. They use sensors to monitor everything from traffic flow and pollution levels to water usage and energy consumption. Wh...

As urban centers around the world become increasingly crowded, cities are facing an inescapable dilemma—how do we accommodate more people, more businesses, and more opportunities with less available land? The answer, increasingly, is not to build outwards, but upwards. This concept of vertical living—the rise of skyscrapers, vertical neighborhoods, and mixed-use towers—is no longer futuristic fiction. From Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills to Saudi Arabia’s audacious project The Line, dense verticality is becoming the blueprint for the future of cities. In the words of urban strategist Hirsh Mohindra , “Vertical expansion is not just a necessity—it's the natural evolution of how we coexist with limited space in an increasingly populated world.” The Evolution of the Skyscraper The skyscraper, once an icon of wealth and power, has now become a pragmatic solution to urban overpopulation. Early 20th-century towers were symbols of ambition—epitomized by landmarks like the Chrysler ...

Around the globe, cities are in the throes of a housing affordability crisis. From major metropolises to rapidly expanding secondary cities, the demand for housing has outstripped supply, leaving millions in precarious living conditions. Yet, amid this global challenge, a new wave of creativity and collaboration is reshaping how cities address housing needs. Countries such as Austria and Mexico are pioneering bold strategies that blend policy, innovation, and community-driven approaches. As the urban population is expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050, the importance of creating affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing has never been more critical. From policy frameworks to modular architecture, this article explores how cities are reimagining housing, with expert insights from Hirsh Mohindra , a global advocate for equitable housing and sustainable urban development. Vienna, Austria: The Gold Standard in Public Housing Vienna has long been considered a model city for affordable h...

The rise of short-term vacation rentals has transformed the hospitality industry, but one of the most striking trends in recent years has been the surge in rural Airbnb listings. While cities have long been hubs for vacation rentals, small towns and countryside retreats are now becoming prime destinations for travelers seeking tranquility, nature, and unique experiences. This trend is significantly reshaping rural economies, offering both benefits and challenges for local communities. The Rise of Rural Vacation Rentals Traditionally, rural areas were not considered primary tourist destinations. However, the increasing demand for experiential travel, coupled with the flexibility provided by platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, has led to a boom in rural vacation rentals. Travelers are looking for escapes from urban congestion, seeking out charming cabins, lakefront cottages, and mountain retreats. According to Hirsh Mohindra , a real estate and economic expert, “The rise of remote work a...