Today is National Voter Registration Day – are you registered to vote? On the ballot November 5th are 10 Texas constitutional amendments and local municipal elections including City of Bryan, City of College Station, and school boards. Although turnout for local elections is usually low, the stakes are quite high. Most of your daily life is impacted by decisions your local officials make, such as your schools, infrastructure, roads and transportation, and even opening a business. One important issue, and probably one of your biggest monthly bills, is your housing costs or rent. Land use and tax decisions affect the supply and variety of your housing choices. Local decision makers should consider the needs of everyone in our community, but that can’t happen unless you get involved and make your voice heard! Be sure that you’re registered to vote for this election and sign up for our Candidates Build on Friday, October 4th, where you can get a chance to meet candidates and talk to them about your priorities.
Want to see more of this? Donate to help us advocate for policies that promote good, affordable housing for everyone.
Are you new to the topic of local policies impacting housing costs? Here’s a few things to get you started.
“How Land Use Regulation Undermines Affordable Housing” by Emily Hamilton at the Mercatus Center (think tank)
“Modular Housing is Affordable Housing” by Michael Hendrix at the Manhattan Institute (think tank)
“The Effect of Local Government Policies on Housing Supply” published by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at University of California, Berkeley
“Cost, Crowding, or Commuting: Housing Stress on the Middle Class” by Jenny Shuetz of the Brookings Institute (think tank)
“Texas Housing Prices on the Rise” From Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar (office holder)
Useful links
Register to vote at Texas’ Secretary of State website here.
“Candidates set for Bryan, College Station races in November election” The Eagle Newspaper