Richard Lawson

Richard Lawson

Journalist/writer/storyteller

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

LA Rebuilds Come With Terrain, Code Costs Hiding In Plain Sight

Building Resilience

LA Rebuilds Come With Terrain, Code Costs Hiding In Plain Sight

Wildfire survivors in Los Angeles now face a second blow: costly landslide safety mandates and soaring insurance premiums, threatening the future of generational neighborhoods. TBD's Richard Lawson reports.

Texas Lawmakers Move Ahead On Bill Triggering Smaller Lots

Policy

Texas Lawmakers Move Ahead On Bill Triggering Smaller Lots

The new state law -- somewhat trimmed in its ambitions -- would reduce lot-size minimums to 3,000 square feet in cities with a population of at least 150,000 and counties with a population of at least 300,000.

Big Texas Lot Reform Measure Inches Forward — With A Catch

Policy

Big Texas Lot Reform Measure Inches Forward — With A Catch

Texas passed legislation that shrinks lot sizes, spurring hopes for more housing supply and better affordability. But first, it must run the procedural gauntlet through reconciliation.

How Missing Middle Housing Wins Approval And Works

Architecture

How Missing Middle Housing Wins Approval And Works

Architect and planner Dan Parolek coined the term “missing middle housing.” His firm’s projects prove that thoughtful design, political navigation, and local momentum can overcome entrenched zoning resistance.

Florida’s Bold Housing Bet Earns Ivory Prize For Breaking Barriers

Policy

Florida’s Bold Housing Bet Earns Ivory Prize For Breaking Barriers

The Florida Housing Coalition wins the 2025 Ivory Prize for its leading role in implementing the Live Local Act—transforming affordable housing policy, zoning, and momentum across 123 communities statewide.

LA Rebuilds Come With Terrain, Code Costs Hiding In Plain Sight

Building Resilience

LA Rebuilds Come With Terrain, Code Costs Hiding In Plain Sight

Wildfire survivors in Los Angeles now face a second blow: costly landslide safety mandates and soaring insurance premiums, threatening the future of generational neighborhoods. TBD's Richard Lawson reports.

Texas Lawmakers Move Ahead On Bill Triggering Smaller Lots

Policy

Texas Lawmakers Move Ahead On Bill Triggering Smaller Lots

The new state law -- somewhat trimmed in its ambitions -- would reduce lot-size minimums to 3,000 square feet in cities with a population of at least 150,000 and counties with a population of at least 300,000.

Big Texas Lot Reform Measure Inches Forward — With A Catch

Policy

Big Texas Lot Reform Measure Inches Forward — With A Catch

Texas passed legislation that shrinks lot sizes, spurring hopes for more housing supply and better affordability. But first, it must run the procedural gauntlet through reconciliation.

How Missing Middle Housing Wins Approval And Works

Architecture

How Missing Middle Housing Wins Approval And Works

Architect and planner Dan Parolek coined the term “missing middle housing.” His firm’s projects prove that thoughtful design, political navigation, and local momentum can overcome entrenched zoning resistance.

Florida’s Bold Housing Bet Earns Ivory Prize For Breaking Barriers

Policy

Florida’s Bold Housing Bet Earns Ivory Prize For Breaking Barriers

The Florida Housing Coalition wins the 2025 Ivory Prize for its leading role in implementing the Live Local Act—transforming affordable housing policy, zoning, and momentum across 123 communities statewide.