Houston Matters
There aren’t enough homes in Texas, and lawmakers want to do something about it
Posted on · A number of bills in Austin are designed to address housing supply and affordability. Will they work?
Tag: affordable housing
Houston Matters
Addressing affordable housing at the legislature (March 21, 2023)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: We learn how state lawmakers plan to address the issue of affordable housing during this legislative session. And we talk with a Houston storm chaser.
Town Square
Combatting Homelessness in Houston; Plus, the Creators of “Another City” Explain the Opera’s Empathetic Exploration of the Issue
Posted on · The success of current efforts and challenges in ensuring every citizen finds a home.
Houston Matters
Stopping street racing (March 3, 2023)
Posted on · On Friday's show: We take a closer look at the county's efforts to prevent street racing and parking lot takeovers.
Houston Matters
Rumors abound about HISD takeover (March 2, 2023)
Posted on · On Thursday's show: Rumors continue to circulate that the TEA will take over HISD in a matter of days. While those rumors remain unconfirmed, we discuss what we do and do not know.
Business
Houston remains one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S., even if it no longer feels like it
Posted on · Many residents of the Houston area now spend more than 50% of their income combined on housing and transportation, putting them under severe financial stress.
Houston Matters
Housing projects face backlash (Feb. 16, 2023)
Posted on · On Thursday's show: We discuss a number of proposed low-income housing projects identified by the city's housing department and concerns regarding them. And we talk about what it would actually mean if the state takes over HISD.
Local
Houston City Council supports 14 new affordable housing projects, delays vote on two projects facing backlash
Posted on · During the city’s housing committee meeting last week, some residents expressed their opposition towards the proposed developments in their neighborhoods, citing infrastructure issues, and describing the Felicity Oaks neighborhood as a food desert – as reasons why they can’t support the development.
Houston
Houston City Council delays action on affordable housing complex in Midtown
Posted on · "I understand that people that are homeless need housing. But if you see how these people are living, honestly they're safer living on the street."
Houston
New affordable housing complex for veterans unveiled in Midtown
Posted on · The Light Rail Lofts has a total of 56 studio apartments, half of which are set aside for veterans and their families earning considerably less than the area median income.
housing
Houston-area community land trusts could help fill a widening gap in housing affordability
Posted on · Programs like the Houston Community Land Trust aim to help residents buy homes and keep them affordable, while also breaking down misconceptions about affordable housing.
Politics
A Houston affordable housing program is now on hold, following a state review
Posted on · The Texas General Land Office released the findings of its investigation into the city’s housing department, following ethics allegations against Mayor Sylvester Turner from the city's former housing director.
housing
Nearly 500,000 Harris County households are paying more than they can afford for their homes, new study says
Posted on · According to the study, almost 500,000 households with incomes below $75,000 are paying more than 30% of their incomes for their homes.
Houston Matters
Mayor’s Reversal On Housing Deal, Greg Travis, & Growth in Katy (Oct. 12, 2021)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: Why the mayor changed his mind on a controversial housing contract, City Council Member Greg Travis answers your questions, what's behind recent growth in Katy, and a new memorial to Houstonians lost to COVID-19.
Housing
As Houston’s housing market booms, a nonprofit is looking for ways to keep homes affordable
Posted on · Houston saw a year of rising home sales and prices, threatening to spur gentrification and displace low-income residents. The nonprofit Houston Community Land Trust helps low-income residents buy homes and keep them affordable.