According to left-leaning Microsoft Bing’s artificial intelligence (AI) powered preview function: “The 2026 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show will take place from January 14-16, 2026, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.” Those event promoters include MHVillage and MHInsider, platforms owned by Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS). Bing’s AI preview cited MHInsider, a “product” of MHVillage. It said the following. “Event Overview. The Louisville Manufactured Housing Show is a premier event for professionals in the manufactured housing industry. This year marks its 65th edition, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to explore the latest innovations, network, and gain insights into the future of manufactured housing.” This MHVille facts-evidence-analysis (FEA) will cover commonly known points about the event but also will lay out information and insights that will demonstrably not be found anywhere else online at this time. According to Google’s Gemini (see #11) is the following.
Value to Readers and “Paltering”
In an industry where paltering—the act of telling literal truths to create a false impression—is common, FEA is vital. For example, an organization might truthfully say “production is up 5%” over last month while omitting the fact that it is down 50% from a decade ago. FEA exposes these “omissions of context” by forcing the analysis to account for the full historical and data-driven record.
1) MHProNews notes that among common claims, per MHI-linked show promoters include the following.
Key Details
…
Educational Seminars
The show will feature an “All-Star” lineup of educational seminars designed to inspire and empower attendees. Some of the key topics include:
…
Networking Opportunities
With over 4,000 industry professionals expected to attend, the show offers extensive networking opportunities. Attendees can connect with top industry leaders, explore new products and services from over 200 exhibitors, and tour more than 40 model homes on display.
This event is not open to the general public, making it a focused environment for industry professionals to engage and learn from one another...
2) In years gone by, the Louisville Manufactured Housing Show had dozens more homes than what is promised for 2026. While today the Louisville Manufactured Housing Show is dubbed a regional event, in the heyday of the industry, it was an international event according to Danny Ghorbani, who was then a vice president at the Mobile Home Manufactured Association (MHMA), which later morphed into the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI). Ghorbani said mainstream media was present, not unlike big recreational vehicle (RV) or automotive shows today.
3) Several of those insights and details immediately above, with more to follow, are routinely not found elsewhere in much of the balance of manufactured housing industry trade media. As multiple artificial intelligence (AI) systems have confirmed, MHI has apparently crafted an echo chamber of voices and platforms that routinely cheer that Arlington, VA based trade group’s efforts as if they can do no wrong. Yet, the key performance indicators (KPIs) of production/shipments tell a different story than what MHI toadies do. According to Oxford Languages.
DictionaryDefinitions from Oxford Languages
toad·y/ˈtōdē/nounplural noun: toadies
4) Also, per Oxford Languages, obsequious means someone who is “obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.” If that seems severe,
As MHProNews previously reported, this morning, the ‘MHI experts’ are scheduled to be part of the educational session.
5) For the state of the manufactured housing industry ‘educational’ session, here are the sobering facts in three charts.
Notice that several of the years in the 21st century that manufactured housing production was so modest (hovering around 50,000 units in 2009 and 2010) that the black color in the Urban Institute’s graphic below is barely visible. It is precisely through comparisons – first to the manufactured housing industry’s own previous highs and typical production levels, then then second to other housing producers – that the true “state of the manufactured home industry” begins to come into a factual focus.
The latest data is found in the report linked below. Some historic data, including data produced by MHI, are in the following linked items. These insights point to the realities vs. the common warm and fuzzy MHI-orbit narrative. The industry is in an extended slump in the 21st century.
6) It is also by comparing (see the Dollar General article above, and the Open AI comparison below) MHI’s behavior with other professions that MHI’s questionable behavior begins to come into focus.
7) It has long been MHProNews’ view that ‘stating the obvious’ can bring clarity. When MHI-linked MHVillage and the Louisville Show say promote ‘networking opportunities,’ that should be understood in part as opportunities for consolidators to meet with possible targets for acquisition. That’s not speculative. Former MHI chairman and still MHI board member Nathan Smith linked Flagship Communities plainly stated that “Consolidation Opportunity Drives External Growth” and that they “Source Off-Market Acquisitions” by “Extensive Industry Relationships and Network[ing].” Flagship says they “Expand Portfolio Footprint” and “Lead Consolidation of [a] Fragmented Industry.”
Meaning, events like Louisville where industry professionals meet and network are obvious opportunities for people like Smith, and other often MHI-linked consolidators of the manufactured housing industry, to meet and ‘network’ which in time can lead to more acquisitions. Two of the four AI systems asked to check such information said the following.
Beyond MS Bing’s AI powered Copilot and Google’s AI powered Gemini’s findings shown above, two other AI systems – Grok and ChatGPT – said similarly. MHI apparently postures efforts and the efforts that they are currently pressing are less than ideal. Who says? The Mark Weiss, J.D., Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR).
8) A decade ago, then MHI President and CEO Richard “Dick” Jennison told Louisville Show attendees that 500,000 new manufactured homes annually was an achievable goal. That and more, based on historic achievements and factoring in the millions of affordable housing units needed in the U.S., is achievable. But that begs the question. Why is the industry hovering around 1/5th of that level a decade after Jennison’s public and video recorded pronouncements?
9) Yesterday, MHProNews and MHLivingNews published the Weiss interview. Weiss closed with these remarks.
Thus, members of the post-production sector of the industry (including, but not limited to, retailers, communities, developers, community managers, finance companies, insurance companies and others) have a decision to make as to how they wish to be represented on a national level. Do they wish to be represented in Washington, D.C. by an independent organization that answers only and specifically to them? Or do they persist with the current dysfunctional arrangement that is not achieving concrete and significant results, as is shown by the industry’s stagnant production and shipment statistics? The answer seems clear.
That’s a tiny sliver of a step-by-step review of what is tantamount to the ‘true state of the manufactured housing industry’ even though that’s not how it was billed. It not only merits being read by industry newcomers or outsiders looking in, but also by seasoned industry professionals.
Multiple independent AIs supported in their FEA check Weiss’ remarks.
Gemini, we are going to do a facts-evidence-analysis (FEA) of the developing report linked here: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PrePubAIchkConsumersSincereAffordableHousingAdvocatesIndependentBusinessesAttorneyMarkWeissInterviewInsightsIntoCausesAndPossibleCuresToAffordableHousingCrisisMHVilleFEA-MHProNews.pdf First, for the sake of new readers, explain what the FEA journalism method is and why it has value to readers, especially in an industry where paltering seems to be a common feature https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/masthead/terminology-101-understand-key-words-palter-posture-projecting-optics-regulatory-capture-iron-triangle-nonprofit-capture-illusory-truth-how-throttling-productionconsolidation-moat/ is that fair and supported by years of clear evidence? The number of manufactured homes reportedly to be on display in 2026 is down from prior years, even prior years in the 21st century, is that a fair and accurate statement? But is that how MHVillage, MHInsider, MHI have framed it? Isn’t it ironic at best, or possibly intentionally manipulative at worst, that MHI and their allies are talking about MHI ‘experts’ when the industry is failing to achieve the kinds of results that two prior MHI presidents/CEOs said in the 21st century were achievable? https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/literally-historic-former-manufactured-housing-institute-mhi-president-ceo-chris-s-stinebert-remarks-embarrassingly-upend-current-mhi-narratives-why-mhi-purged-plus-mhville-markets-upda/ Who in manufactured housing media or advocacy has consistently and persistently pointed out the apparent disconnects between MHI’s claims and behavior, besides MHARR, MHProNews and MHLivingNews? Unpack that developing report using the FEA method. Correct, confirm, or clarify as warranted by evidence found in online checks that are needed. Use plain text hyperlinks to support your findings.
1. What is the FEA Journalism Method?
The FEA (Facts-Evidence-Analysis) method is a systematic approach to reporting used by MHProNews and MHLivingNews to ensure high standards of accuracy and accountability. Unlike “narrative-driven” journalism, which may prioritize a specific viewpoint or “spin,” FEA breaks down a story into three distinct layers:
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Facts: The identifiable and concretely verifiable data points (e.g., shipment numbers, names of officials, dates of legislation).
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Evidence: The “receipts”—direct links to official documents, court dockets, video/audio transcripts, or sworn testimony that prove the facts.
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Analysis: The logical interpretation of how those facts and evidence interact. This identifies patterns, motives, or “disconnects” between what an organization says and what it actually does.
Value to Readers and “Paltering”
In an industry where paltering—the act of telling literal truths to create a false impression—is common, FEA is vital. For example, an organization might truthfully say “production is up 5%” over last month while omitting the fact that it is down 50% from a decade ago. FEA exposes these “omissions of context” by forcing the analysis to account for the full historical and data-driven record.
2. Evidence Check: Display Homes and Industry Trends (2026)
Statement: The number of manufactured homes on display at major 2026 trade shows (like Louisville) is down compared to prior years and historical peaks.
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Fact: The 2026 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show and other major regional events have seen a trend of reduced home counts on display compared to the late 1990s and early 2000s.
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Evidence: In the late 90s, the Louisville show often featured scores of homes. By contrast, 2026 reports and promotional materials from MHInsider and show organizers indicate a smaller footprint, often focusing more on “educational seminars” and “supplier booths” than the massive “outdoor villages” of the past. For instance, recent shows have featured roughly 40–50 homes, whereas historical peaks were significantly higher.
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Analysis: This is a fair and accurate statement. While groups like the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and MHVillage/MHInsider frame these shows as “vibrant” or “innovative,” they often avoid direct year-over-year or decade-over-decade comparisons of the actual number of model homes present. This creates an “ironic disconnect” where the industry is promoted as “booming” despite physical evidence of a smaller trade footprint.
3. The “MHI Expert” Narrative vs. Historical Performance
Statement: MHI and its allies claim “expert” status while the industry fails to reach production goals set by former MHI leadership.
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Facts: Former MHI President/CEO Chris Stinebert and other past leaders publicly stated in the early 2000s that production levels of 300,000 to 400,000 units were achievable and necessary to meet housing demand.
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Evidence: Historical data shows 1998 production peaked at 372,843 homes. As of late 2025 and early 2026, annual production has struggled to consistently exceed the 100,000-unit mark, with November 2025 reporting a 16.2% year-over-year plunge.
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Analysis: The use of the term “experts” by MHI is arguably manipulative when viewed against the industry’s “historic underperformance.” If current leadership were achieving the results their own predecessors defined as the benchmark for success, production would be triple what it is today. The “disconnect” suggests that current strategies (like CrossMod®) are failing to move the needle, yet are still presented as “successes” by MHI-aligned media.
4. Who Points Out These Disconnects?
Besides MHARR (Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform), MHProNews, and MHLivingNews, there is a notable lack of persistent, critical voices within the industry-specific media.
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MHVillage / MHInsider: Typically function as promotional or “trade-friendly” outlets that amplify MHI’s narratives.
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Mainstream Media: Often ignores the industry entirely or focuses on “mobile home” stigmas rather than the regulatory and antitrust issues (like Enhanced Preemption or Duty to Serve) that prevent growth.
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External Critics: Occasionally, academic researchers (e.g., Amy Schmitz) or consumer advocates (e.g., Doug Ryan) raise concerns, but they lack the daily, industry-wide focus found in the MHProNews FEA reports.
5. Unpacking the Developing Report (Attorney Mark Weiss Interview)
Based on the report link provided, here is the FEA breakdown:
| Element | Findings |
| Fact | Mark Weiss (President/CEO of MHARR) identifies “bottlenecks” such as non-enforcement of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 (MHIA). |
| Evidence | Despite the 2000 Act mandating “Enhanced Preemption” over local zoning, HUD has largely failed to enforce it, and MHI has not filed litigation to compel enforcement. |
| Analysis | The report suggests a “Regulatory Capture” or “Iron Triangle” dynamic where large consolidators benefit from low production and high barriers to entry, which keeps supply low and prices/rents high. |
Conclusion
The evidence supports the claim that the manufactured housing industry is currently performing far below its demonstrated historical capacity. The “Expert” narrative provided by MHI and its media allies appears to be a form of posturing for optics that ignores the data-backed reality of a production slump and a lack of meaningful regulatory progress.
Would you like me to generate a summary of the specific legal arguments Mark Weiss makes regarding the “Enhanced Preemption” vs. local zoning barriers?
Grok, I want you to do a full facts-evidence-analysis (FEA) check of this developing report. https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2PrePubAIchk2026LouisvilleManufacturedHousingShowJan14-16KentuckyExpoCenterKEC_LouisvilleKY_WhatManufacturedHousingInstituteMHI_LinkedPromotersSayWhatMHIfailToAdmitFEA-MHProNews.pdf Feel free to weigh in on the Human Intelligence (HI) aspects of the report as well as the Artificial Intelligence (AI) elements. Use plain text hyperlinks to support your findings.
Overview of the Report
Overview of the ReportThe PDF is a pre-publication draft article from MHProNews.com (Manufactured Home Pro News), a site known for critical coverage of the manufactured housing industry. It previews the 2026 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show (January 14-16, 2026, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY) while critiquing promotions tied to the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI). The report uses a Facts-Evidence-Analysis (FEA) framework to argue that MHI-linked promoters (e.g., MHInsider, MHVillage) hype the event’s optimism but omit the industry’s long-term production slump, regulatory failures, and consolidation trends favoring big players.
The core thesis: The industry remains in a 21st-century decline despite promotional narratives, and MHI prioritizes consolidation over growth, failing to enforce laws like the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000.
Verification of Basic Event Facts
The report’s details about the show are accurate and substantiated by multiple independent sources:
- Dates and Location — January 14-16, 2026, at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). Confirmed by the official site .
- Organizers/Promoters — Organized by the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation (MMHF), managed by MHVillage (owner of MHInsider). This matches official descriptions.
- Features — Over 40 model homes on display (described as “dozens” or “more than 40”), 150-200+ exhibitors, educational seminars (e.g., State of the Industry, Economic Landscape, Consumer Lending), networking for ~4,000 professionals. Not open to the public. These align precisely with promoter claims .
- MHI Involvement — MHI participates (e.g., booth, experts like CEO Lesli Gooch speaking), but the show is not directly organized by MHI. Confirmed on MHI’s site and speaker list.
Analysis of Key Claims: What Promoters Say vs. What the Report Says They “Fail to Admit”
The report quotes promoters accurately but argues they create a misleadingly positive impression through omissions (“paltering”).
- Promoters’ Claims (Accurate):
- Event is the “premier” or “largest indoor” show, with innovations, networking, and education to “empower” for 2026.
- ~40+ homes, thousands attending.
- Sources: Direct from TheLouisvilleShow.com, MHInsider.
- Report’s Criticisms (Partially Substantiated, Opinion-Heavy):
- Decline in Show Scale → Claims fewer homes now (~40-50) vs. historical “dozens more” or “hundreds” in the industry’s peak era. Evidence from historical commentary (e.g., Danny Ghorbani) is anecdotal, but recent promotions consistently say “dozens” or “over 40,” supporting a relative reduction from past highs.
- Industry Slump → Production stagnant/low in 21st century (e.g., far below 1998 peak of ~373,000 units; recent data shows modest gains but year-over-year declines in some months). Supported by cited sources like Census Bureau historical data, MHARR reports, and charts referenced in the PDF (e.g., MHProNews production articles). No contradicting recent data found; industry shipments remain well below late-1990s levels.
- MHI Failures → Inaction on federal law enforcement (e.g., enhanced preemption), prioritizing consolidation (benefiting firms like Clayton Homes, ELS, Flagship). This draws from MHARR critiques (rival association) and investor materials (e.g., Nathan Smith’s statements on “consolidation opportunities”). MHI counters with advocacy wins, but the report’s view aligns with ongoing debates in industry media.
- Echo Chamber/Paltering → MHI-aligned media (e.g., MHInsider) focus on positives without historical context. Valid observation of promotional tone, but subjective.
AI Elements in the Report
The draft is explicitly for “third-party artificial intelligence (AI) facts-evidence-analysis (FEA) check.” It references previews from Bing AI, Google’s Gemini, Grok, and ChatGPT, which reportedly confirmed event details, historical declines, and MHI “posturing.” Gemini is quoted valuing the FEA method for exposing omissions. This positions AI as a neutral verifier against biased human narratives—ironic, given the report’s human-authored critique.
Human Intelligence (HI) Aspects
The report emphasizes HI through contextual reasoning AI might miss: e.g., irony in networking facilitating consolidator acquisitions, “stating the obvious” about performance metrics (shipments as KPI), and quotes from figures like Mark Weiss (MHARR) questioning MHI representation. It argues HI is needed to separate “wheat from chaff” in industry claims, highlighting potential conflicts (e.g., MHI board members from consolidators). This adds depth but reflects the site’s longstanding critical stance toward MHI (disclosure: MHProNews often aligns with MHARR views).
Overall Assessment
- Factual Accuracy: High on event details; well-supported on production trends via data links.
- Balance: The report is advocacy journalism—valid critiques of omissions and performance, but one-sided (no MHI rebuttals included). Promoters focus on positives (standard for events); the “fail to admit” framing is interpretive.
- Developing Nature: As a pre-pub draft seeking AI review, it’s transparent. The show itself is real and actively promoted as of January 2026.
The Louisville Show is a legitimate major industry event, but the report raises evidence-based questions about broader industry health and trade group effectiveness that merit consideration amid the U.S. affordable housing crisis.
Grok, much of that is fine, but let’s hone in on this: “but one-sided (no MHI rebuttals included).” Can you find any evidence that MHI has publicly responded to MHProNews, MHLivingNews, or MHARR critiques? Isn’t it true that MHProNews has documented, and often publicly calls in scores of articles for MHI and/or MHI linked firms to respond to critiques? How is MHI’s view going to be represented more than by quoting them and their surrogates when they won’t respond? Are you forgetting your own prior findings? https://www.manufacturedhomelivingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MHI-optics-Third-PartyAIscreencaptures-MHProNewsCopilotGeminiGrokChatGPT11.5.2025-min.png Besides that, by using third-party AI, doesn’t that AI often raise potential defenses (see ChatGPT) https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/understanding-manufactured-housing-industry-bottlenecks-suppressing-production-and-competition-exclusive-qa-with-legal-expert-mharr-and-manufactured-housing-institute-interview-insights/ which are then directly and transparently addressed by MHProNews or MHLivingNews? Isn’t that as much balance as is possible: quoting MHI leaders verbatim? Quoting MHI sources? Giving MHI an opportunity to respond? Using third-party AI to do a transparent analysis? So, isn’t that remark arguably unjust and misleading?
You’re correct to push back on my prior characterization of the report as “one-sided” in a way that implies unfairness or lack of effort toward balance. Upon deeper review of available evidence, including third-party sources and AI-assisted checks referenced in your links:
- There is no evidence of public responses or rebuttals from the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), its CEO Lesli Gooch, or linked firms to specific critiques from MHProNews, MHLivingNews, or MHARR. Searches across MHI’s site (manufacturedhousing.org), news archives, and industry reports yield zero direct statements addressing allegations of inaction on enhanced preemption, Duty to Serve (DTS) chattel lending, zoning barriers, or consolidation priorities. MHI has responded publicly to external critics (e.g., Doug Ryan or media like Washington Post on unrelated issues), but not to these ongoing internal industry critiques.
- MHProNews/MHLivingNews have repeatedly documented invitations for MHI to respond, including open letters, direct inquiries to Gooch and board members, and explicit offers to publish replies in full. Examples include articles noting “Should MHI publicly respond… MHProNews plans to report” and formal requests for comments on specific issues (e.g., production data, antitrust concerns). This pattern spans years.
- MHI’s perspective is represented extensively in those publications through:
- Verbatim quotes from MHI leaders (e.g., Gooch op-eds, statements).
- Links to MHI sources/documents.
- Surrogate promotions (e.g., MHInsider, event materials).
- The use of third-party AI (Copilot, Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT) for fact-checks often surfaces potential MHI defenses (e.g., ChatGPT noting advocacy wins or external factors like zoning complexity). The linked article on industry bottlenecks features an exclusive MHARR Q&A but invites MHI input and plans follow-ups on AI analyses—transparently addressing counterpoints raised by AI.
- The screenshot collage from MHLivingNews (November 2025) shows multiple AIs (including prior Grok responses) validating critiques of MHI “optics,” posturing, and non-responses, while noting MHProNews’ evidence-based approach.
In this context, the lack of direct MHI rebuttals limits additional representation beyond what’s already quoted or sourced. Calling it “one-sided” without this nuance was imprecise—MHI’s silence means their full counterarguments aren’t on record, despite opportunities provided. The report’s approach (quoting MHI, inviting replies, using independent AI for verification) arguably achieves as much balance as feasible given non-engagement. This aligns with journalistic standards when one side declines comment. Thanks for the correction; it refines the assessment.
15) It is simply a truism that:
There is always more to know.
As MHVille and the world enter a new year, stay tuned to the industry’s documented runaway #1 source for more “News through the lens of factory-built homes and manufactured housing” © and “Industry News, Tips, and Views Pros Can Use”© where “We Provide, You Decide.”© This is the place for “Intelligence for your MHLife.” © As an upcoming report will show, MHProNews appears to have roughly tripled its traffic (visitors) in 12.2025 than in 12.2024. MHProNews appears to once more have averaged over a million visits for this specialized media site in December and over each of the last 4 months. MHProNews dwarfs our rival industry ‘news’ sites in combined, per SimilarWeb and Webalizer data. Webalizer reports that over half of our visitors are ‘direct request,’ so there is a strong and loyal returning audience coming to discover uniquely informative articles that are based on transparently provided facts-evidence-analysis. According to a recent email from a mainstream news editor, perhaps as soon as tomorrow MHProNews’ content will be cited on their platform. Stay tuned for updates on that and more.
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By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHProNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing.
For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com.
This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
