Texas House Bill HB2185

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain municipalities to establish homestead preservation districts and reinvestment zones.

Impact

The passage of HB 2185 is expected to have significant implications for urban planning in Texas's largest cities. By allowing these specific municipalities to maintain eligibility for establishing homestead preservation districts—even if their population or the number of occupied housing units changes—the bill helps to ensure that ongoing community efforts to improve housing conditions are not interrupted. This can potentially enhance the stability of housing markets in areas that are critical for urban development and economic revitalization, addressing statewide housing concerns.

Summary

House Bill 2185 amends the Local Government Code to establish criteria for municipalities to create homestead preservation districts and reinvestment zones. The bill specifically applies to municipalities with a population greater than 750,000 that belong to a uniform state service region with fewer than 800,000 occupied housing units. This change aims to streamline the process through which larger cities can implement these districts and zones, providing them with a mechanism to promote affordable housing and urban revitalization efforts in areas experiencing significant growth or deterioration.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a beneficial tool for urban municipalities, there may be some contention surrounding its implementation. Critics might argue that concentrating powers in larger municipalities could overshadow the needs of smaller communities, which may also struggle with housing affordability and preservation issues. Additionally, the criteria established in HB 2185 could lead to disparities in how resources are allocated, raising questions about equity in housing policy across the state.