Richard Lawson

Richard Lawson

Journalist/writer/storyteller

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

A Missing Middle Breakthrough In Heartland USA: Vision, Grit, Toilets

Policy

A Missing Middle Breakthrough In Heartland USA: Vision, Grit, Toilets

A high-risk land bid, a $2,000 toilet, and a mayor’s green light launched a walkable housing model in Papillion. Now, it’s proof that a missing-middle housing future is possible—even in suburbia.

Zoning Limbo: Charlottesville New Permits Halted After Legal Gambit

Policy

Zoning Limbo: Charlottesville New Permits Halted After Legal Gambit

A paperwork flub voids a key city zoning overhaul, halting permit flow and exposing developers to regulatory chaos, delay, and risk.

New York City Puts Housing Reform to Voters In November

Policy

New York City Puts Housing Reform to Voters In November

The November ballot could reshape how NYC approves housing. A new “expedited review” process aims to unlock modest-scale development.

Berkeley Targets Housing Crisis By Ending Single-Family Zoning

Policy

Berkeley Targets Housing Crisis By Ending Single-Family Zoning

Berkeley, once among the few to institute single-family zoning more than a century ago, is among the few to end it and pursue middle housing.

Can Ditching the Car Unlock Pent-Up Housing Demand?

Policy

Can Ditching the Car Unlock Pent-Up Housing Demand?

A car-free lifestyle could help homebuyers afford more — and give developers a powerful new lever near transit hubs. It's part of a 'missing middle' solutions set.

A Missing Middle Breakthrough In Heartland USA: Vision, Grit, Toilets

Policy

A Missing Middle Breakthrough In Heartland USA: Vision, Grit, Toilets

A high-risk land bid, a $2,000 toilet, and a mayor’s green light launched a walkable housing model in Papillion. Now, it’s proof that a missing-middle housing future is possible—even in suburbia.

Zoning Limbo: Charlottesville New Permits Halted After Legal Gambit

Policy

Zoning Limbo: Charlottesville New Permits Halted After Legal Gambit

A paperwork flub voids a key city zoning overhaul, halting permit flow and exposing developers to regulatory chaos, delay, and risk.

New York City Puts Housing Reform to Voters In November

Policy

New York City Puts Housing Reform to Voters In November

The November ballot could reshape how NYC approves housing. A new “expedited review” process aims to unlock modest-scale development.

Berkeley Targets Housing Crisis By Ending Single-Family Zoning

Policy

Berkeley Targets Housing Crisis By Ending Single-Family Zoning

Berkeley, once among the few to institute single-family zoning more than a century ago, is among the few to end it and pursue middle housing.

Can Ditching the Car Unlock Pent-Up Housing Demand?

Policy

Can Ditching the Car Unlock Pent-Up Housing Demand?

A car-free lifestyle could help homebuyers afford more — and give developers a powerful new lever near transit hubs. It's part of a 'missing middle' solutions set.