Richard Lawson

Richard Lawson

Journalist/writer/storyteller

Richard Lawson is an award-winning journalist on housing and adaptive reuse.

Arkansas ADU Law Sets Fast-Approaching Housing Deadline

Policy

Arkansas ADU Law Sets Fast-Approaching Housing Deadline

Arkansas’s bold new housing law gives cities until January 1 to legalize accessory dwelling units statewide. The move could reshape how local zoning and housing affordability intersect across one of America’s fastest-growing regions.

Dallas Rewrites Its Zoning Legacy to Fix Housing Shortage

Policy

Dallas Rewrites Its Zoning Legacy to Fix Housing Shortage

After decades of single-family dominance, Dallas is embracing density again. A landmark ordinance revives small-scale housing once zoned out of existence — and signals a turning point for Texas growth policy.

Arizona’s New Water Framework Revives Housing Prospects

Policy

Arizona’s New Water Framework Revives Housing Prospects

After a yearlong construction freeze, Arizona finally has a path forward. A new water framework could unlock 60,000 homes — and redefine how growth happens in the desert.

Oklahoma City’s Boom Triggers Suburban Housing Demand Surge

Policy

Oklahoma City’s Boom Triggers Suburban Housing Demand Surge

A diversifying economy and billions in new investment are reshaping Oklahoma City. But rapid growth has created a housing shortfall that’s now spreading to the suburbs.

Texas Pro Housing Advocates Flip The Script On Local NIMBYs

Policy

Texas Pro Housing Advocates Flip The Script On Local NIMBYs

As Dallas and other municipalities work to re-engineer zoning to thwart state-legislated higher-density, multifamily neighborhood development, affordability champions point to California as a cautionary tale.

Arkansas ADU Law Sets Fast-Approaching Housing Deadline

Policy

Arkansas ADU Law Sets Fast-Approaching Housing Deadline

Arkansas’s bold new housing law gives cities until January 1 to legalize accessory dwelling units statewide. The move could reshape how local zoning and housing affordability intersect across one of America’s fastest-growing regions.

Dallas Rewrites Its Zoning Legacy to Fix Housing Shortage

Policy

Dallas Rewrites Its Zoning Legacy to Fix Housing Shortage

After decades of single-family dominance, Dallas is embracing density again. A landmark ordinance revives small-scale housing once zoned out of existence — and signals a turning point for Texas growth policy.

Arizona’s New Water Framework Revives Housing Prospects

Policy

Arizona’s New Water Framework Revives Housing Prospects

After a yearlong construction freeze, Arizona finally has a path forward. A new water framework could unlock 60,000 homes — and redefine how growth happens in the desert.

Oklahoma City’s Boom Triggers Suburban Housing Demand Surge

Policy

Oklahoma City’s Boom Triggers Suburban Housing Demand Surge

A diversifying economy and billions in new investment are reshaping Oklahoma City. But rapid growth has created a housing shortfall that’s now spreading to the suburbs.

Texas Pro Housing Advocates Flip The Script On Local NIMBYs

Policy

Texas Pro Housing Advocates Flip The Script On Local NIMBYs

As Dallas and other municipalities work to re-engineer zoning to thwart state-legislated higher-density, multifamily neighborhood development, affordability champions point to California as a cautionary tale.