Two families displaced by Harvey say they’re not close to having their lives back to normal. Tens of thousands of others are also facing a long recovery before their biggest need — a permanent place to live — is settled.
housing
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Texas county official after Harvey: The “Red Cross was not there”
According to emails obtained by ProPublica, officials in several counties were extremely critical of the Red Cross’ response to Hurricane Harvey, saying the organization communicated poorly and didn’t bring in supplies as expected.
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In Harvey's Wake
Can a web tool help coastal Texans assess their flood risk? A professor thinks so.
A university professor who studies natural hazards launched a flooding risk assessment tool for homes in Harris and Galveston counties. But after Hurricane Harvey, flooding risks are even harder to determine.
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In Harvey's Wake
Houston housing officials draw ire for evicting elderly residents
Public housing leaders say a high-rise along Buffalo Bayou is unsafe because of flooding from Hurricane Harvey. But folks who live in 2100 Memorial say officials have mishandled the situation.
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Blocked Out
Despite “Texas miracle,” affordable housing difficult for many urban dwellers
A new Harvard study found that Americans — especially poorer ones — are having a harder time find a suitable place to call home. Texas lawmakers, experts and development industry leaders say there are plenty of reasons why that’s true here, too.
Posted inState Government
Profiting off pain: Trump confidant cashed in on housing crisis
When the housing market crashed, Tom Barrack was ready. He built a company that bought more than 30,000 homes across the country — including nearly 5,000 in Texas — and converted them to rentals.
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State Government
Short-term rental measure likely dead after conference committee action
A conference committee Saturday voted to strip an amendment that would have blocked cities from regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb, all but killing the measure with less than two days left in the legislative session.
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Economy
Texas Senate approves bill curbing regulation of short-term home rentals
Under Senate Bill 451 by state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, Texas cities would be prevented from banning short-term rentals and their ability to write ordinances restricting the practice would be narrowed.
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Economy
Austin group aims to reframe debates around city’s growth, development
Evolve Austin, a nonprofit that advocates for denser development and more affordable housing, is aligning with some high-profile real estate and business groups to push for changes to how Austin regulates land use.
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State Government
Texas proposal would keep cities from restricting short-term home rentals
Senate Bill 451 would prevent Texas cities from banning or restricting short-term home rentals. Austin, San Antonio and Fort Worth are among the cities that have enacted such restrictions.