Richard Lawson

Richard Lawson

Journalist/writer/storyteller

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

From 16 to 52: AI And Atlanta Zoning Power A Micro-Moment

Policy

From 16 to 52: AI And Atlanta Zoning Power A Micro-Moment

Stryant leverages commercial zoning to build affordable micro-apartments in Atlanta, showing how builders can unlock missing-middle solutions. With AI-powered design and by-right zoning, a 52-unit project delivers attainable rentals.

New 10-Day ‘Shot Clock’ Aims To Speed New Homes to Market

Policy

New 10-Day ‘Shot Clock’ Aims To Speed New Homes to Market

The shot clock comes to housing. California’s Assembly Bill 1308 mandates final inspections on new homes within 10 days. If local agencies miss the deadline, builders can hire third-party inspectors. Richard Lawson breaks down how the measure could cut costly delays and speed homes to closing.

BTI’s Long-Game: Big Land Bets Amid Homebuilder Tactics Shifts

Land

BTI’s Long-Game: Big Land Bets Amid Homebuilder Tactics Shifts

CIO Justin Onorato explains why developer BTI sees resilience in Florida, Texas, and Colorado markets, and how population dynamics shape its long-view strategy.

Well-Intended Laws, Higher Rents: A Data-Driven Look

Policy

Well-Intended Laws, Higher Rents: A Data-Driven Look

A MetroSight study finds that common tenant protection laws—on evictions, vouchers, and screening—raise rents by 3% to 6%, with the steepest impacts hitting low-income renters.

California Lawmakers Pass Landmark Transit-Density Housing Bill

Policy

California Lawmakers Pass Landmark Transit-Density Housing Bill

California’s Legislature has passed SB 79, a sweeping housing bill that overrides local zoning to allow multifamily housing near transit. The measure—years in the making—cements the state’s role as a national bellwether for density reforms.

From 16 to 52: AI And Atlanta Zoning Power A Micro-Moment

Policy

From 16 to 52: AI And Atlanta Zoning Power A Micro-Moment

Stryant leverages commercial zoning to build affordable micro-apartments in Atlanta, showing how builders can unlock missing-middle solutions. With AI-powered design and by-right zoning, a 52-unit project delivers attainable rentals.

New 10-Day ‘Shot Clock’ Aims To Speed New Homes to Market

Policy

New 10-Day ‘Shot Clock’ Aims To Speed New Homes to Market

The shot clock comes to housing. California’s Assembly Bill 1308 mandates final inspections on new homes within 10 days. If local agencies miss the deadline, builders can hire third-party inspectors. Richard Lawson breaks down how the measure could cut costly delays and speed homes to closing.

BTI’s Long-Game: Big Land Bets Amid Homebuilder Tactics Shifts

Land

BTI’s Long-Game: Big Land Bets Amid Homebuilder Tactics Shifts

CIO Justin Onorato explains why developer BTI sees resilience in Florida, Texas, and Colorado markets, and how population dynamics shape its long-view strategy.

Well-Intended Laws, Higher Rents: A Data-Driven Look

Policy

Well-Intended Laws, Higher Rents: A Data-Driven Look

A MetroSight study finds that common tenant protection laws—on evictions, vouchers, and screening—raise rents by 3% to 6%, with the steepest impacts hitting low-income renters.

California Lawmakers Pass Landmark Transit-Density Housing Bill

Policy

California Lawmakers Pass Landmark Transit-Density Housing Bill

California’s Legislature has passed SB 79, a sweeping housing bill that overrides local zoning to allow multifamily housing near transit. The measure—years in the making—cements the state’s role as a national bellwether for density reforms.