Tag Archive for: land use

Building the New America: Report on trends shaping the migration of people and jobs

Report: Building the New America

How do we build a new urban model for America — one that is better aligned with the aspirations of most Americans? This newly released report examines the housing trends that are driving today's migration of people and jobs.
Second Dwelling Units may help ease housing unaffordability in urban areas, but are prohibited by deed restrictions in many cities.

Why Houston is Better with TIRZs, and Minimal Zoning Restrictions

by Tory Gattis — Houston's TIRZs (tax-increment reinvestment zones) may provide more opportunity for middle and working class families to find affordable housing than typical urban zoning practices.
Opposition to public funding makes the Texas High Speed Rail project increasingly unlikely.

Texas High Speed Rail: The End or Not?

by Wendell Cox — In 2012, Texas Central Railway announced a plan to build a high speed rail line from Dallas to Houston. However, local opposition and lack of funding resources means the rail project now seems unlikely.
Houston's proposed University Line, Metro Transit

Metro Needs to Rethink the University Line

Houston transit opponents worry that construction of the University Line will snarl traffic, invite unwelcome development and cripple local businesses.
Aerial view of suburbs

New Book: Houston as the Bold Case Against Zoning

A new book by M. Nolan Gray cites the Houston city model makes a bold case against zoning.
Post Houston busy with a diverse crowd in Houston

Post HTX Diversity, Housing Costs Hurt Education and more

by Tory Gattis — Big increases in housing costs since 2000 have likely eaten most of the wage premium return from getting a college education, reducing the incentive to invest in education.
High Cost of a Home

Solving the Housing Shortage, and Houston Popular for Relocation

by Tory Gattis — Wall Street Journal finds that the housing shortage is caused by a combination of zoning and financing rules and supply-chain constraints.
Los Colimas area and exurbs beyond Irving, Texas

Ultimate Agglomeration Diseconomy: The Standard of Living

Wendell Cox — It is hard to imagine a more destructive agglomeration effect than reducing the standard of living. Yet this is what the loss of housing affordability does.
High urban density leads to the worst housing affordabiltiy outcomes

Higher Urban Densities Associated with the Worst Housing Affordability

by Wendell Cox — Densification of existing urban areas leads to worse housing affordability, according to a recent study of 53 major US markets.
Quote from Tory Gattis about Texas MUDs

The URI Next American Cities Report, Texas MUDs as a Model

This newly released report from Urban Reform Institute examines the places that offer opportunity for a revitalized American Dream for more citizens.
A conversation about housing affordability with Wendell Cox

Frontier Thinkers Corner: Housing Affordability

Wendell Cox, senior fellow at Urban Reform Institute, joins David Lees to discuss housing affordability and the root causes of the housing affordability crisis.