Economic Development, Affordable Housing, and Eminent Domain

October 22, 2007

Eminent domain is seen by cities as a “tool” to be used to foster economic development. However, this presentation to the Texas Association of Community Development Corporations shows that eminent domain harms those in need of affordable housing.

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Austin’s Simple Fix for Soaring Housing Costs

After years of watching home prices skyrocket out of reach for first responders, nurses, and young families, in December 2023, Austin city council voted to rewrite its zoning code. The first phase of its HOME Initiative—known as HOME-1—effectively allowed up to three homes on most lots that previously could host only one. A year later,...

December 9, 2025

Economy

Cool, Clear Water: For the Future of Texas

Water is critical to ensure a prosperous future for Texas. That’s a statement that virtually no one disagrees with. Water satisfies thirsty communities, fuels industry, powers next generation technologies, sustains reliable generation of electricity, and maintains the natural beauty of the state. But Texans will soon go to the polls to vote on legislation that...

October 1, 2025

Local Government

Come and Build It: Housing Policy Reform in Texas

Texas is short more than 300,000 housing units, while 90% of Texans are worried about affordability. To ease these twin crises, policymakers passed an ambitious set of free-market-minded measures to boost supply and lower costs. Key points: The 89th Texas Legislature passed five key housing market reforms to increase supply, reduce government interference, and improve...

November 3, 2025

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Austin’s Simple Fix for Soaring Housing Costs

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Come and Build It: Housing Policy Reform in Texas