I think we could add 1 point to Austin's GDP growth by abolishing DSD.

Between increasing the minimum lot size from 1,400 sf to 3,000 sf and only requiring cities to create a small lot zoning district without requiring them to actually apply that zoning, the House really gutted SB 15.

Not all Democrats in the Texas Legislature are awful on housing, but almost all Legislators who are awful on housing are Democrats.

Thanks to a Democratic rep, SB 15 goes from allowing small lots as of right on unplatted lots to merely requiring cities to create a small-lot zoning district with no requirement that they actually zone any land for small lots.

Austin has already adopted many of the reforms being considered by the Texas Legislature this session, which I wouldn't have imagined would be possible 10 years ago.

Unless I'm misreading it, SB 840 would eliminate the density bonus affordable housing fee in lieu for downtown residential towers. Good.

If you eliminated all residential zoning regulations that are not primarily motivated by social status anxiety or striving, what would be left?

Where are all the wacky fringe groups mongering the conspiracy theory that Trump is a bona fide Russian agent? (I'd like an invite please.)

@mnolangray.bsky.social Do you have a link to a model third-party review statute or an actual, successfully implemented third-party review statute?

Advocates have done a wonderful job pushing single-stair reform in Austin. But have I missed the zoning reform that must accompany this?

Excellent paper from Pew providing an even-handed assessment of the risks of single-stair midrises and proposing model building code provisions to mitigate those risks. www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-...