Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

California Economy

"Onerous Laws & Regulations” and “Unintended Consequences” are the State’s Most Reliable Output.

A reality-based look at housing, lending, regulations, and the consequences nobody expected, nor budgeted for.

California isn’t just an economy—it’s a live experiment in what happens when ambition meets regulation, and regulation meets… more regulation. I break down what’s really driving outcomes in housing, insurance, construction, and credit—tracking the intended and unintended consequences all the way to NOI, DSCR, and deal viability. Humor included, because if you don’t laugh at policy irrational logic, you’ll end up crying into your escrow impound account.

Search Results

AB-326: California Balcony/Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) Inspection and Repair, Compliance

SB 326 vs. SB 721-What Property Owners/HOAs Must Do

Radicalized Ideologies Spring Up in the Age of Algorithms: Why, And How They Spread—and What Actually Works Against Them

Radicalized ideologies thrive when three forces converge: grievance and the need for significance, compelling narratives that legitimize extreme means, and networks that reward commitment and belonging. Researchers frame these as needs–narratives–networks (or, in classic models, the “staircase” that narrows choices as people move upward).

A Collision of Good Intentions, Bureaucracy, and Market Reality with Far-reaching Consequences: California’s Entitlement Feed Back Loop

Why Mutual Trust, Respect, and Cooperation Is Breaking Down—and What’s Driving It

California Mental Health Brief: Reforms, Capacity, and What to Watch (2025–2026)

SB-808: Accelerating Judicial Review for Housing Development Disputes- Technical Read

California SB-770: Removing Barriers to EV Charging in Common Interest Development- Quick Read

California SB-748: Technical Framework for Safe Parking and Encampment Resolution- Technical Read

California SB-748: Expanding Safe Parking and Accountability in Homelessness Program- Quick Read

SB-655: Setting a Safe Indoor Temperature Standard for Homes-Quick Read

Real Property Development: A Dramatic Shift in the Procedure

California is on a mission to install millions of high-density stack-and-pack apartment dwellings and affordable housing units to conform to the vision outlined by former President Obama, as outlined in the Affordable Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) initiative. Stack up to the heavens, and they will come.

SB-634: Protecting Humanitarian Aid and Support Services for Unhoused Californians- Quick Read

SB 543: Streamlining ADU and JADU Development Across California- Quick Read

SB-507: Integrating Tribal Housing into California’s RHNA Framework-Quick Read

SB-489: Addressing California’s Housing Crisis by Streamlining Approvals and Enhancing Transparency-Quick Read

SB-410: Strengthening Safety and Transparency in Common Interest Developments-Quick Read

SB-358: Reforming Traffic Impact Fees to Promote Transit-Oriented Housing- Quick Read

SB 340: Strengthening Emergency Shelter Requirements in California Housing Elements-Quick Read

SB-262: Expanding California’s Pro-Housing Designation Program- Quick Read

SB-92 Housing Development: Reforming Density Bonus Law- Quick Read