If upheld, a Texas law would likely prevent cities from enacting zoning reform that would increase density or eliminate single-family-only zoning.

In a twist to the typical state preemption versus local control debate over zoning, Texas state legislators are looking to take decisionmaking power away from Dallas officials, who are proposing some significant revisions to the city’s land use plan that include encouraging ‘missing middle housing’ and ‘gentle density’ increases to boost the city’s housing supply.
As Bethany Erickson explains in D Magazine, “ForwardDallas, the city’s not-yet-adopted plan, would only inform the city’s land use and zoning in the future. A great deal of concern around single-family neighborhoods centers on where and how to allow for more density—specifically middle or ‘gentle’ density like triplexes, duplexes, and the like.”
A bill passed in the state legislature, House Bill 2127, limits cities’ ability to enact zoning rules stricter than the state. “Several cities have sued, and a judge ruled it unconstitutional, but state law allows it to continue as it makes its way through the appellate courts.” If the bill is upheld, it would prevent Dallas from making some of the changes proposed in the plan.
FULL STORY: Texas Lawmakers Look to Take Zoning Changes Out of Dallas’ Hands

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions