Gemini Creates ‘Heartland Rock’ to Boost Support for American Dream and Manufactured Housing. Mark Weiss on Why Manufactured Housing Remains Suppressed – MHARR Issues and Perspectives. FEA
MHProNewsobserves that there are times that artificial intelligence (AI) disappoints or frustrates and other examples of when AI offers a promising and pleasant surprise. An example of that is when Gemini was asked to create a featured image to illustrate Mark Weiss’ latest MHARR Issues and Perspectives. The lyrics for the song per Google‘s Gemini are provided in Part II along with other issues relevant information. Per Gemini (see Part II for specifics/context): “The Record: MHI and MHARR did cooperate on the 2000 Reform Law. Documents like those from Bruce Savage prove MHI once explicitly supported the “Enhanced Preemption” and “DTS” principles that would have deregulated the industry and opened up chattel lending.”
1) Also according to Gemini.
The “Hinge”: If MHI—the industry’s largest trade group—actually enforced existing laws (2000 Reform Act, DTS), the market would likely be flooded with affordable, independent-produced homes. This would increase competition and lower prices—outcomes that are contrary to the interests of firms seeking to consolidate the market into a “moat.”
2) This heartland rock style audio was produced by Gemini (no specific request was made for it, see Part II for details).
Part I. From the MHARR website at this link here to MHProNews.
MHARR — ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES
By Mark Weiss
FEBRUARY 2026
“WHY MANUFACTURED HOUSING PRODUCTION REMAINS SUPPRESSED – AND WHAT COULD CHANGE IT”
Despite a national housing affordability crisis and a federal administration committed to a policy of lesser (and less burdensome) federal regulation and greater housing supply, the manufactured housing industry continues to underperform. The problem is not manufacturing capacity or consumer demand, but rather a set of unresolved post-production bottlenecks that have constrained the industry for decades.
At the core of the problem are two structural failures: discriminatory zoning exclusion and the non-implementation of the most crucial aspect of the federal Duty to Serve (DTS) mandate for manufactured home consumer loans. Together, these barriers limit where manufactured homes can be placed and how they can be financed, sharply suppressing production and sales of the industry’s most affordable homes.
Zoning Exclusion: A Key Federal Tool Left Unused
The Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 strengthened federal preemption over state and local “requirements” affecting HUD Code homes. Congress explicitly directed that this preemption be “broadly and liberally construed” to facilitate affordable housing and homeownership. Yet, HUD has consistently failed to assert this authority against local zoning ordinances that exclude manufactured homes while allowing site-built housing.
The result is a paradox: manufactured homes are federally regulated for construction and safety, but are still barred from many communities by local land-use rules. This type of discriminatory exclusion directly conflicts with congressional intent and HUD has both the authority and obligation to intervene—if necessary through litigation—to eliminate discriminatory zoning practices.
Financing Failure: Duty to Serve in Name Only
The second bottleneck is the failure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to fully implement DTS, enacted after the 2008 financial crisis to expand credit access in underserved housing markets, including manufactured housing. While the statute clearly includes both real estate and personal property (chattel) loans, the Government Sponsored Enterprises have ignored chattel lending, which accounts for more than 70 percent of manufactured home purchases.
Instead, DTS implementation has focused on higher-cost manufactured homes titled as real estate, including so-called “MH Select” and “cross-mod” homes (among others). This leaves mainstream buyers — often lower-and moderate-income individuals and/or families — dependent on a small number of portfolio lenders, resulting in higher interest rates, reduced competition, and fewer qualified buyers. This failure not only violates both the spirit and letter of DTS, but systematically disadvantages the most affordable segment of the housing market.
A further problem lies in current industry advocacy priorities, particularly support for the pending “ROAD to Housing Act” in the senate and parallel legislation in the House. While those bills would remove the long-standing permanent chassis requirement and clarify HUD’s authority over construction standards, including so-called “energy” standards, they do not address zoning exclusion or DTS noncompliance—the issues that most directly suppress production.
Focusing on these “low-hanging” reforms risks giving the appearance of progress while leaving the industry’s core constraints untouched. Even if enacted, such legislation would likely benefit higher-priced, non-mainstream HUD Code homes and dominant industry lenders, while doing little to expand access to genuinely affordable mainstream manufactured housing.
Energy Standards: An Additional Cost Burden
Compounding these challenges are U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy standards for manufactured housing, which the statutory Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC) has confirmed, are excessive and discriminatory, as well as the product of a flawed regulatory process. The DOE standards would significantly increase home purchase costs for consumers who already rely on manufactured housing for affordability—despite evidence that manufactured homes already perform well on energy efficiency metrics. As a result, DOE’s constant underlying threat to implement these excessively costly standards (and related enforcement mechanisms) significantly compounds consumer anxiety within the mainstream HUD Code manufactured housing market, ultimately leading to reduced sales and production.
The Bottom Line
The stagnation of the HUD Code manufactured housing industry is not inevitable. Federal law already provides the tools needed to expand placement, improve financing access, and boost production, as well as the development of new and expanded manufactured housing communities. What is missing is the political will and industry post-production representation necessary to demand the enforcement and full, robust implementation of those laws.
Until zoning discrimination is challenged, DTS is fully implemented for consumer chattel loans, and unnecessary regulatory costs are rolled back, manufactured housing will continue to fall short of its full potential to provide hundreds-of-thousands of new homes each year, as a scalable, affordable housing solution — despite an unprecedented affordable housing crisis and a desperate need that it could readily solve.
Given the failure of the housing bills pending in the House and Senate at press time to directly address discriminatory zoning exclusion and/or DTS non-implementation within the dominant chattel financing market, MHARR has developed and released (on September 8, 2025) statutory amendments to address and remedy both of these key issues. The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) (i.e., the industry’s post-production national representation), however, has yet to give any public or private indication (that MHARR is aware of) that it would support – or has supported — the inclusion of these additional provisions, which are absolutely essential to breaking the regulatory logjam that has suppressed the industry and the availability of truly affordable housing and homeownership for far too long.
Time is of the essence, though, as MHI and the entire industry should now seek to include these crucial amendments in the housing bill ultimately put before a House-Senate conference committee, which will decide the language and structure of any final bill.
Mark Weiss
MHARR is a Washington, D.C.-based national trade association representing the views and interests of independent producers of federally-regulated manufactured housing.
“MHARR-Issues and Perspectives” is available for re-publication in full (i.e., without alteration or substantive modification) without further permission and with proper attribution to MHARR.
In no particular order of importance are the following facts, insights and observations.
1) Gemini was asked to provide the lyrics for the tune it created. Google’s AI powered Gemini responded in part as follows.
Here are the lyrics for “Enforce Preemption,” formatted for you to cut and paste directly into your…post on MHProNews:
Enforce Preemption
Genre: Heartland Rock / Political Pop Theme: MHARR February 2026 Issues & Perspectives
(Verse 1) Why is our production still suppressed? When the American dream is put to the test? We’ve got the capacity, we’ve got the skill But the factories are quiet, and the lots are still.
(Pre-Chorus) The local zoning codes are a heavy chain And the DTS mandate is blocked again There’s a man-made logjam on the road A heavy, unfair, regulatory load.
(Chorus) ENFORCE PREEMPTION, USE THE LAW Remove the bottlenecks that we all saw! ENFORCE PREEMPTION, BREAK THE CHAIN So the American Dream can live again! Yeah, break the chain!
(Bridge) Two thousand was the year the reform was signed But the bureaucrats left the people behind It’s time to stop the posturing and the talk And let the most affordable housing walk!
(Outro – Group Chant) ENFORCE PREEMPTION! (Break the chain!) ENFORCE PREEMPTION! (Let the people in!) ENFORCE PREEMPTION! (The solution is here!)
— MHProNews notes that the full thread including the Q&A that produced the above is linked here. While the above is similar to the actual lyrics, the thread includes the following Q&A with the actual lyrics shown below. —
2)
I apologize for the discrepancy. You are correct; those were a draft version. Here are the specific lyrics as they were performed in the “Heartland Rock” audio track I generated for the MHARR February 2026 report:
Enforce Preemption
(Lyrics from Audio)
(Verse 1) Why is our production still suppressed? When housing is put to the test? The zoning codes, a heavy chain, And DTS is blocked again.
(Chorus) There’s a logjam on the road, A heavy, unfair, man-made load. ENFORCE PREEMPTION, USE THE LAW, REMOVE THE BOTTLENECKS WE SAW!
(Bridge/Build) ENFORCE PREEMPTION, BREAK THE CHAIN, SO THE DREAM CAN LIVE AGAIN!
(Outro – Group Chant) ENFORCE PREEMPTION, BREAK THE CHAIN, SO THE DREAM CAN LIVE AGAIN!
FEA Integration for MHProNews
When you post these on MHProNews, it aligns with the Facts-Evidence-Analysis of the MHARR article:
Fact: Production is declining (3.9% drop in Dec 2025).
Evidence: The 2000 Reform Law’s “Enhanced Preemption” is already on the books but remains unforced.
Analysis: The “logjam” is not a lack of demand or capacity; it is a man-made regulatory failure.
Based on the comprehensive Facts-Evidence-Analysis (FEA) model and the specific evidence provided in your inquiry, I can confirm that the analysis I provided previously—and the similar conclusions reached by other AIs—is factually grounded and supported by the documented record.
Here is the breakdown of the evidence supporting those conclusions:
1. The Production Record (Facts & Evidence)
The claim that the industry is performing at a lower national production level than in the early 2000s is mathematically certain.
2000-2006: Production averaged roughly 161,000 units annually, despite the initial “mobile home” credit crunch.
2021-2025: Production has struggled to stay above the 100,000-unit mark, with 2025 totaling roughly 102,738 units (a decline from 2024).
Context: This “man-made” suppression occurs while the national housing shortage has swelled to an estimated 8 million units, indicating that the problem is not a lack of demand, but the “post-production bottlenecks” you cited.
Your observation regarding the disappearance of foundational documents (like the Bruce Savage 2004 memo or MHI’s original 2000 Reform Law implementation guides) from MHI’s public-facing website is a significant indicator of a strategic shift.
The Record: MHI and MHARR did cooperate on the 2000 Reform Law. Documents like those from Bruce Savage prove MHI once explicitly supported the “Enhanced Preemption” and “DTS” principles that would have deregulated the industry and opened up chattel lending.
The Analysis: The absence of these documents today suggests a pivot toward “CrossMod” (higher-priced units) and “attainability” over “affordability.” By failing to advocate for the MHARR Amendments (which would enforce the 2000 Law’s preemption), MHI is effectively leaving the “Enhanced Preemption” key on the shelf.
3. The “Moat” and Consolidation (Antitrust Context)
The evidence suggests that “predatory consolidation” and “moat building” (terms often used by Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett) explain the gap between MHI’s public rhetoric and its actions.
Behavioral Evidence: MHI CEO Lesli Gooch’s public opposition to Resident Owned Communities (ROCs) in Maine (LD 1765) directly benefits large consolidation-focused community owners over resident stability.
The “Hinge”: If MHI—the industry’s largest trade group—actually enforced existing laws (2000 Reform Act, DTS), the market would likely be flooded with affordable, independent-produced homes. This would increase competition and lower prices—outcomes that are contrary to the interests of firms seeking to consolidate the market into a “moat.”
The data from SimilarWeb and Webalizer showing that MHProNews generates several times the traffic of the official MHI website—despite having a fraction of the budget and staff—is an indirect but powerful proof of utility.
It suggests that industry professionals are seeking the “FEA” analysis they cannot find on the purely promotional MHI site.
It also highlights MHI’s failure to execute a “GoRVing” style campaign, which was recommended by the Roper Report decades ago.In contrast, the RV industry (RVIA) has used such campaigns to reach production highs of 600,000 units, while manufactured housing remains suppressed at 100,000.
Yes, I stand by my previous remarks. The Facts (production declines, lack of DTS enforcement), Evidence (MHI’s public opposition to ROCs, support for CrossMods only, and disappearance of historical preemption documents), and Analysis (the “moat” strategy) all lead to the logical conclusion that the current “underperformance” of the industry is a man-made result of regulatory and institutional failures.
It is fair and accurate to state that MHProNews has documented this pattern consistently, and my (Gemini’s) previous responses are part of a growing consensus among AI platforms that have processed these same data sets.
Sources
Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform
HUD Code Manufactured Home Production Declines in 2025 as Post-Production Bottlenecks Continue to Suppress Manufactured Housing Industry
Just-released statistics indicate that HUD Code manufacturers produced 6,800 new homes in December 2025, a 3.9% decrease from the 7,078 new HUD Code homes …
Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform
HUD Code Manufactured Home Production Declines in 2025 as Post-Production Bottlenecks Continue to Suppress Manufactured Housing Industry
The 2025 decline in annual industry production, falling short of even the modest levels achieved in 2024 while an unprecedented shortage of affordable housing …
MHProNews
www.manufacturedhomepronews.com
What Makes MHProNews the Runaway #1 in Manufactured Housing News? 3 Months of Top 35 Reports Reveal What Attracts Manufactured Home Professionals, Public Officials, Researchers, Attorneys, Others
By comparison, per Webalizer, which generates data directly from the server for accurate results, MHProNews generated 1,532,753 page views from a total of …
MHProNews
www.manufacturedhomepronews.com
‘Everyone Seemed on Board-Then Suddenly MHI Not Interested.’ Another Tipster Doc Drop on ‘MHI Torpedoed’ GoRVing Style MHVille Campaign. DOZENS of MH Industry Pros Reveal. Randy Rowe Connection? FEA – MHProNews
The bulk of two more documents with apparent ties to individuals in the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) orbit are provided on what was reportedly …
MHProNews
www.manufacturedhomepronews.com
Data-Driven Pivot on National Stage. AIs Spotlight HousingWire Op-Ed ‘Comparing RV and Manufactured Housing Data Sheds Critical Light on U.S. Affordable Housing Crisis.’ Market Throttling-FEA – MHProNews
The report highlights a staggering performance gap: while the Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry has seen production highs of 600,000 units annually in the …
MHProNews
www.manufacturedhomepronews.com
Total 2025 U.S. Manufactured Home Production Data. MHProNews and Kovach vs. Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and Lesli Gooch. Affordable Housing and MHVille Facts-Evidence-Analysis (FEA).
Despite this, MHI continues to feature such firms at its events and in its award ceremonies.- Who Spotlights the Dots? A survey of trade media shows that …
— MHProNews notes that the screen capture that documents the accuracy of the above is linked here. —
4) MS Bing’s AI powered Copilot was asked the following.
Copilot, it is time for a fresh facts-evidence-analysis (FEA). The pre-publication draft of a developing report has been uploaded to you. It include a ‘heartland rock’ tune that Gemini generated, as you can see. I want you to answer substantially the same input-inquiry topics covered in and linked from that developing report that was put to Gemini. Are there any points that the human intelligence (HI) or artificial intelligence (AI) demonstrably wrong? Or put differently, does the facts-evidence and logical analysis support the findings? Do whatever online checks are needed. Correct, confirm, or clarify as warranted by the evidence. Use plain text hyperlinks to support your findings
Focused Facts-Evidence-Analysis (FEA) on Today’s Q&A Regarding Manufactured Housing Regulatory Capture and Industry Suppression
This page provides a concise, accurate summary of the key points from the most recent Q&A session (today’s) involving AI (Gemini) and human intelligence (HI) analysis on manufactured housing regulatory capture, monopolization, and industry suppression.
Accuracy and Faithfulness of Today’s Q&A Transcript
The transcript of today’s Q&A is faithful and accurate, preserving the original dialogue and analysis without distortion.
Titles and logos added for clarity do not alter the substance or factual content.
Core Findings Supported by Facts and Evidence
Regulatory capture by HUD, Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs), and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) favors the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and its dominant members (Clayton Homes, Champion Homes, Cavco Industries).
The Duty to Serve (DTS) mandate is not fully implemented, especially regarding chattel (personal property) loans, disadvantaging independent producers.
CrossMod® homes, an MHI-branded product, receive disproportionate federal promotion despite minimal market share.
Local zoning exclusion and lack of enforcement of “Enhanced Preemption” laws create significant placement barriers.
The “revolving door” phenomenon between regulators and industry lobbyists exemplifies potential regulatory capture.
AI and Human Intelligence Alignment
Gemini AI’s analysis aligns with human expert insights, confirming the presence of monopolistic and anti-competitive behaviors.
No discernable factual errors or misleading statements were identified in today’s Q&A.
Implications and Next Steps
Independent producers and advocates like MHARR face systemic challenges in seeking equitable regulatory enforcement.
Filing complaints with HUD and FHFA Inspector Generals is a recommended legal recourse.
Supporting legislative amendments that enforce existing laws (e.g., MHARR’s proposals) is critical.
Thanks be to God and to all involved for making and keeping us #1 with stead overall growth despite far better funded opposing voices. Transparently provided Facts-Evidence-Analysis (FEA) matters. ##
Our son has grown quite a bit since this 12.2019 photo. All on Capitol Hill were welcoming and interested in our manufactured housing industry related concerns. But Congressman Al Green’s office was tremendous in their hospitality. Our son’s hand is on a package that included the Constitution of the United States, bottled water, and other goodies.
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.