Join us on this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast as we host Texas State Representative Paul Dyson. From the Reese Avonley Homes Studio in Bryan, Texas. Dyson shares insights on legislative challenges, affordable housing issues across the state, the impact of unfunded mandates, and his firsthand experiences during his first legislative session. He also discusses plans for the future, including property tax relief and the impact fees bill.

Don’t miss this in-depth conversation packed with real talk about local policy and housing in Texas.

The Think Brazos Podcast is a policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party. Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer

You can support Think Brazos and B/CS Habitat for Humanity through their upcoming golf tournament. https://habitatbcs.org/tees-for-keys/

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**Heads up**

⚠️ We had an audio glitch during part of our interview with David Brower.

You’ll notice a dip in sound quality in the second half of the interview—but we promise it’s worth powering through.

In this episode of the Think Brazos podcast, host Charles Coats speaks with David Brower, the Community Development Administrator for the City of College Station. They delve into the city's housing action plan, its goals, and the strategies being implemented to address housing affordability. David shares insights on existing challenges such as cost-burdened renters and homeowners, and the rapid increase in housing costs post-pandemic. He also highlights specific initiatives like increased density, deed-restricted homeownership programs, and collaborations with local nonprofits and employers to tackle the housing crisis. Learn how College Station plans to create more housing opportunities and ensure the community's future growth and stability.

The Think Brazos Podcast is a policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party.

Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer

Follow Think Brazos

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In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, Mayor John Nichols of College Station joins us to discuss various challenges and legislative issues affecting housing affordability in Texas. The conversation delves into the implications of impact fees, local control versus state legislation, and the unique housing demands caused by Texas A&M University's large student population. Mayor Nichols also explains the city's efforts to adapt to market pressures, including allowing accessory dwelling units and considering smaller lot sizes. Tune in to understand the complexities of housing policies and their impact on local communities.

You can find a list of housing bills we’re watching here: https://thinkbrazos.org/2025/03/13/texas-housing-legislation-2025-bills-were-tracking/

Mentioned in the episode

SB15 on minimum lot sizes

ADU bills

HB5489 on impact fees

SB 844 on the valid petition process (“tyrant veto”)

SB1567 on occupancy limits by familial status

College Station’s Housing Action Plan: https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/commserv/development/housing_action_plan

College Station Impact Fees: https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/pds/engineering/impact_fees

The Think Brazos Podcast is a policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party.

Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer

Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org

Follow Think Brazos

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https://instagram.com/thinkbrazos

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