The ruling impacts ordinances passed in 2022 aimed at increasing housing density and supporting mixed-use development.
A Travis County District Court judge in Texas ruled against the city of Austin in a lawsuit challenging multiple zoning ordinances passed by the city in 2022. According to an article by Jo Clifton in the Austin Monitor, “All of the ordinances were designed to allow more residential units in areas not previously considered appropriate for housing. But Council will have to start over in enacting the Vertical Mixed Use Ordinance as well as the Residential in Commercial Development program and the Compatibility Ordinance, all of which were approved in 2022.”
The judge ruled a fourth ordinance challenged in the lawsuit, Affordability Unlocked, can go forward. Lawyers for the plaintiff in the lawsuit, Doug Becker, say they are now “assessing the legality” of the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment (HOME) passed last week by a vote of 9-2 and are fundraising to challenge future zoning reform proposals.
FULL STORY: Court signs order overturning three zoning ordinances (Austin, has implications for zoning just passed)
Opinion: Austin Zoning Reform Won’t Have Major Impact
Despite heated controversy, some experts believe the zoning changes made last year won’t make a significant dent in the local housing crisis.
Zoning Reform Faces Uphill Battle in Dallas
Proposals to boost housing production through ‘gentle density’ increases face strong opposition from residents concerned about losing single-family neighborhoods.
Will Salt Lake City’s Zoning Reforms Create More Affordable Housing?
The city’s new rules allow for more flexibility in housing development, but other market forces could limit production.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions