Richard Lawson

Richard Lawson

Journalist/writer/storyteller

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

Wisconsin’s Housing Progress Faces A Bipartisan Breakdown

Policy

Wisconsin’s Housing Progress Faces A Bipartisan Breakdown

After a rare bipartisan win in 2023, Wisconsin lawmakers are back with a new round of housing reform. But political divisions are slowing momentum on proposals aimed at easing affordability and expanding middle-market housing supply.

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.

Wisconsin’s Housing Progress Faces A Bipartisan Breakdown

Policy

Wisconsin’s Housing Progress Faces A Bipartisan Breakdown

After a rare bipartisan win in 2023, Wisconsin lawmakers are back with a new round of housing reform. But political divisions are slowing momentum on proposals aimed at easing affordability and expanding middle-market housing supply.

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.