Proposed Legislation Helps Manage Expected Growth Around Austin

Special districts would allow cities and counties in Central Texas to impose development rules and collect sales and property taxes to pay for roads, streets and utility improvements without requiring immediate provision of city services.

1 minute read

March 8, 2007, 11:19 AM PST

By smlyles


Texas State Senator proposes bills that would empower cities and counties to regulate land-use of area surrounding Texas 130. The new toll highway is expected to spur rapid growth in an area viewed by city officials and environmentalists as ideal for mixed-use, high density development.

" 'It's a combination of two very significant tools,' said Assistant City Manager Laura Huffman. 'One, it gives the city the ability to do land-use (planning), and the other is it gives the city a revenue stream in order to invest in infrastructure. One without the other wouldn't work.' "

Thanks to smlyles

Thursday, March 8, 2007 in Austin American Statesman

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

Brick buildings on small town street with red awnings on first floor businesses.

Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health

A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.

3 hours ago - Great Lakes Echo

Aerial view of neighborhood under construction with houses and vacant lots.

Report Outlines Strategies for Resilient Wildfire Recovery in LA

Project Recovery offers a roadmap for rebuilding more sustainable and climate-resilient communities after wildfires and other disasters.

4 hours ago - Urban Land Institute

Red rock landscape in Bears Ears National Monument, Utah.

New Executive Order Renews Attack on Public Lands

An order issued late last week pushes for increased mineral extraction on federally owned public lands.

5 hours ago - Rocky Mountain Community Radio