Housing advocates weren't confident that sweeping reform would be accomplished during Texas’ 88th legislative session, and for the most part, they were correct. As the biennial proceedings came to a close May 29, only a handful of the more than 200 bills aimed at housing relief were on their way to the governor’s desk. Developers, property rights groups, academics, affordability advocates and private citizens spent months testifying before lawmakers about the threat posed by a shortage of housing supply. Elected officials on the right and left put aside differences to rally for a common cause: more housing in Texas for more Texans who need it. It appears that much of their breath was wasted — at least until lawmakers meet again in two years. The fight to maintain local control coupled with opposition from powerful neighborhood groups and their elected officials was enough to derail the progress many hoped would be made. 
“I’m never confident about anything passing just because our legislative process in particular is like Schoolhouse Rock! meets Friday the 13th,” Dallas Builders Association Executive Director Phil Crone said. “It’s just designed to kill every bill possible.” Read the full story here. | 
