Texas is a state that is experiencing a period of rapid growth and development. But with this growth comes a new challenge: can Texans still afford to live in the Lone Star State? For many, the answer is becoming increasingly difficult. This article will explore the reasons behind this housing crisis and what lawmakers are doing to address it.
Estimates
of the amount of housing needed to meet the demand in Texas vary.However, experts, leaders in the development industry, and lawmakers all agree that there are multiple factors contributing to the current housing crisis. The Texas Affordable Housing Providers Affiliation (TAAHP) is a non-profit trade association that serves as an advocate for the affordable housing industry in Texas, but it does not have any regulatory or enforcement authority. In Houston, one in four families who receive housing assistance never get to use it. Ian Benavidez, deputy director of the city's Department of Neighborhood and Housing Services, said that the city offers resources to help families keep their homes, such as funding for roof repairs and helping eligible residents apply for tax exemptions. In San Antonio, Rebecca Flores' family moved from the Texas countryside to the city. Unfortunately, most new homes - including affordable units built as part of receiving public money - were priced higher than most San Antonians could afford, according to a report by the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders.
Residents who move when their homes are destroyed often cannot afford housing in the remodeled neighborhoods that replace them. City and state leaders should consider policy changes that would allow for more incentives for developers, inclusive zoning, and higher-density housing. Eric Johnson said he plans to introduce a law that would stop the practice of requesting letters from elected officials in favor of or against housing developments being considered for federal tax credits. We have analyzed housing data from hundreds of zip codes in Texas to create a search tool so that readers can see how affordable their neighborhood is. It is clear that Texas is facing a housing crisis and lawmakers are looking for ways to improve things.
