If upheld, a Texas law would likely prevent cities from enacting zoning reform that would increase density or eliminate single-family-only zoning.

In a twist to the typical state preemption versus local control debate over zoning, Texas state legislators are looking to take decisionmaking power away from Dallas officials, who are proposing some significant revisions to the city’s land use plan that include encouraging ‘missing middle housing’ and ‘gentle density’ increases to boost the city’s housing supply.
As Bethany Erickson explains in D Magazine, “ForwardDallas, the city’s not-yet-adopted plan, would only inform the city’s land use and zoning in the future. A great deal of concern around single-family neighborhoods centers on where and how to allow for more density—specifically middle or ‘gentle’ density like triplexes, duplexes, and the like.”
A bill passed in the state legislature, House Bill 2127, limits cities’ ability to enact zoning rules stricter than the state. “Several cities have sued, and a judge ruled it unconstitutional, but state law allows it to continue as it makes its way through the appellate courts.” If the bill is upheld, it would prevent Dallas from making some of the changes proposed in the plan.
FULL STORY: Texas Lawmakers Look to Take Zoning Changes Out of Dallas’ Hands

New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power
The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.

New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing
Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.

Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths
Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.

Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply
New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas
The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.
City of Madera
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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