Texas Governor Threatens To Strip Funding From Cities Blocking Housing Development

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is putting cities on notice that stalling housing development could mean losing tax revenue. In comments at a press event in Round Rock, the Republican governor took aim at local restrictions that stymie new development, such as one North Texas suburb's requirement that new apartments include an Olympic-size swimming pool.The state last year passed a few laws, Senate Bills 15 and 840, which limited some municipal zoning powers for Texas cities in a bid to boost new housing construction.Nonetheless, "one thing that's driving up the cost of housing are local government regulations," Abbott said on Friday, as part of a statewide tour focused on affordability.And he blamed cities trying to "skirt the laws we've already passed."Some local governments are skirting the law, imposing costly mandates," Abbott said. "The legislation I'm proposing now will end those costly local building mandates for good. Going forward, any city or county violating the law will have their sales tax revenue withheld." Abbott said some regulations like setback, height limits, cover restrictions, and other rules already in place are legitimate. But he said some cities are tacking on extra...