December Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month

ICE raids are slowing housing construction in South Texas, winter road salt is impacting local waterways, and California’s housing policy could see massive shifts in the wake of wildfires and new regulations. Cities around the country continue to grapple with the housing crisis and recent federal funding cuts through zoning reform.

The full list of December’s most-read stories:

1. South Texas Home Builders Say “There’s no Labor” After ICE Raids

 Immigration enforcement raids are noticeably reducing the construction workforce in South Texas, where over 9,100 people have been arrested in ICE sweeps. Builders warn that the ICE actions will likely lead to an increase in local housing costs as the disruption leads to development delays and cost increases.

2. $5 Billion Atlanta Toll Lane Project Moves Ahead 

The Georgia Department of Transportation is collaborating with a private partner on a massive toll lane project that will add new variably-priced lanes to GA Highway 400 in Atlanta. 

3. Winter Road Salt is Making Waterways Toxic to Wildlife 

The salt used to deice roadways in the Northeast is accumulating at dangerous levels in local waterways, impacting local ecosystems year round. The salt is also leaching into groundwater supplies, contaminating future drinking water.

4. The Nation’s Best Small Cities Ranked by Livability, Affordability 

These U.S. cities hit the Goldilocks sweet spot with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 and high quality of life indicators.

5. 2025 Brought Seismic Changes to California Housing Laws

Major changes to the state’s key environmental law, new support for transit-oriented development, and laws passed in response to the LA wildfires could see housing policy in California change dramatically after 2025.

6. Boston Considers Eliminating Parking Requirements 

The city held a meeting to discuss eliminating parking requirements that drive up housing costs and limit development, but has not set a date for a vote on any specific proposal. 

7. Over 90% of Massachusetts Towns Have Changed Zoning to Comply With MBTA Communities Law 

Massachusetts towns and cities faced a December 31 deadline to comply with a 2021 law calling for zoning reform that encourages housing density near transit.

8. Maryland Housing Secretary Projects 25% Surge in Homelessness due to Trump’s 'Devastating Assault' on Funding 

Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day says the loss of federal funding for housing assistance services could cause almost 2,000 Maryland children to become homeless.

9. New NYC Law Gives Nonprofits a Leg up on Certain Property Purchases

The city council updated the 2020 Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), which gives certain nonprofits an early right to bid on available properties that could be rehabilitated and preserved as affordable housing, narrowing the types of buildings that qualify and exempting small buildings.

10. Instead of Restricting Development, One Minnesota City Just Approved Flurry of ‘Experimental’ Housing Types 

New Ulm, Minnesota is saying yes to tiny homes, adaptive reuse, and modular ‘shed homes’ as part of its effort to improve affordability and improve residents’ chances for homeownership.