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Matt Levin

Senior Reporter

SHORT BIO

Matt covers AI for Marketplace, where he tries to be as polite as he can to every chatbot he meets … because, well, he’s seen sci-fi movies. Matt also covers some crypto and housing, with a taste for stories that make you say: "huh, that's kinda weird.”

Before joining Marketplace Matt was a data and housing reporter for CalMatters, focused on California politics and policy. Before that he was a statistics jockey for a think tank, focused on poverty and inequality. And long before that Matt was a really terrible teenage cashier for Toys R Us.

Matt’s previous honors include awards from the Online News Association and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and SPJ awards.

Latest Stories (301)

COVID & Unemployment

Schools gradually add back jobs, but teacher shortage may worsen

by Matt Levin
May 7, 2021
Younger teachers may also be more inclined to leave and even switch career paths entirely.
Because of remote learning and $190 billion in federal aid, there haven’t been massive teacher layoffs. But stress and burnout could push people from the field, one education researcher says.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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When the spirit moves: Church real estate is heating up

by Matt Levin
May 4, 2021
Though some churches need to sell, many nondenominational churches are growing rapidly and looking for bigger digs.
Like residential real estate, church properties need curb appeal. This Walnut Creek church is listed for more than a million dollars.
Matt Levin/Marketplace
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COVID-19

The pandemic could mean new housing for those experiencing homelessness

by Matt Levin
Apr 23, 2021
COVID has resulted in a wave of federal money directed at helping the roughly 580,000 people without stable shelter.
Housing expert Gregg Colburn explains how we can best address homelessness on local, state and federal levels.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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California "Zoom town" grapples with influx of remote workers

by Matt Levin
Apr 13, 2021
Truckee's newcomers boost the local economy, but long-term residents see rising prices and a culture clash.
A street in Truckee, California. Since the pandemic hit, the mountain town has become a destination for remote workers, who've brought higher prices and increased congestion.
Matt Levin/Marketplace
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Is your bridge bad enough to get infrastructure money?

by Matt Levin
Apr 9, 2021
President Biden's plan calls for fixing 20,000 miles of roads and 10,000 bridges. But which are most in need?
One bridge in the worst shape? The Brent Spence Bridge, which spans the Ohio River and was declared functionally obsolete in the 1990s.
Jeff Dean/AFP via Getty Images
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A recall election is an economy unto itself

by Matt Levin
Mar 24, 2021
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will likely face a recall election this fall. That means a flood of campaign contributions.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, will likely face a recall election this fall, more than a year before his first term in office is supposed to end.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
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The big empty: San Francisco is sitting on millions of square feet of vacant office space

by Matt Levin
Mar 17, 2021
Which raises the question: Does it look the city's going to ghost itself?
While other office spaces remain empty, some trophy properties, like the Salesforce building, center, remain hot commodities.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

The uncertain future of commuter friendships

by Matt Levin
Mar 5, 2021
We could lose a unique kind of relationship due to working from home.
An empty Amtrak car headed for the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to the pandemic, riders would enjoy camaraderie and make career connections.
Matt Levin/Marketplace
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COVID-19

What happens when you're vaccinated and your partner isn't?

by Matt Levin
Feb 10, 2021
As more Americans get vaccinated, decisions around travel and socializing can get complicated.
Dr. Thomas Lew, who is vaccinated, and his fiancee, Anne Li, who is not. They're thinking about whether to take a trip to Hawaii.
Matt Levin/Marketplace
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Adventures in Housing

Housing costs force young Californians to live with their parents

by Matt Levin
Oct 11, 2019
Adults still live with their parents a decade after the Great Recession.
In California, some 37% of adults age 18 to 34 are living with at least one parent. Above, a suburban neighborhood in Highland, California.
David McNew/Getty Images
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