Tag Archive for: zoning

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.
Reason interviews Tory Gattis about Houston's affordability and lack of zoning

Reason Interviews Tory Gattis About Houston’s Affordability

Reason interviews me (Tory Gattis) about Houston's unorthodox, unzoned approach to land-use regulation and how it reduces our homelessness, as well as my suggested solution for zoned cities.
School Choice Week – students supporting TeachersGage Skidmore, used under CC 2.0 License

The Decisive Argument for School Choice

The best argument for school choice: in states that have implemented it, public schools for low-income students have gotten dramatically better even while not losing many students!
Lot size reform puts money in pocket of Houston homeowners

Problem, We Have a Houston – Lot Size Reform Equivalent to $18K Gift for Single-Family Homeowners

Houstonians got a free $18k from minimum lot size reform, but is Houston sliding towards zoning? Houston tops standard of living rankings.
Houston sneaking backdoor zoning ordinance

City of Houston Sneaking Through Backdoor Zoning

The City of Houston is trying to sneak through backdoor zoning with an ordinance authorizing "conservation districts". This legislation is open for public comment: we've included the link to make your opposition heard.
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 #1 Standard of Living

Houston #1 Standard of Living Globally, HTX vs LA, and more

by Tory Gattis — Houston has the highest purchasing power at the lowest cost-of-living in the world... aka the highest standard of living in the world.
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.
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.
Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Houston vs. Austin, Kudos for Museum of Fine Arts Houston

by Tory Gattis — A just published review compares Houston vs. Austin, Woodlands ranked Best City to Live in America, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston receives praise from Travel + Leisure.