Texas’ population continues to surge, but a new poll from the Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce Foundation (TABCCF) highlights growing concerns over housing availability and affordability in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The poll, conducted by Ragnar Research Partners from January 5th to 7th, surveyed likely voters in Collin, Denton, Dallas, Rockwall, Johnson, and Tarrant Counties. The results show a significant consensus: 80% of residents believe there is a shortage of reasonably priced homes, with 40% calling it a “serious problem.”
Those surveyed also showed broad support for policy solutions aimed at increasing housing availability.
Over 70% of respondents back the conversion of empty or underutilized office buildings into residential housing. 69% of respondents support allowing large-acreage landowners to develop housing at different price levels. 76% of respondents agree that it is unfair for only some property owners to have the ability to change land use.
In response to the findings, TAB President & CEO Glenn Hamer released a statement, emphasizing the need for immediate action, considering that Texas welcomes over 1,500 new residents per day, and Dallas-Fort Worth is at the center of this growth.
“It’s no surprise that housing supply is struggling to keep pace with demand,” Hamer commented. “Texas needs to address this issue now to maintain our superior quality of life that has attracted businesses and families from across the nation and world. We are committed to working closely with the Texas Legislature this session to identify common-sense reforms that remove regulatory barriers and empower property owners.”
Nicole Nosek, the Chair of Texans for Reasonable Solutions, echoed these concerns, warning that failure to respond could significantly affect Texas’ pro-business, pro-family environment.
“This important poll clearly demonstrates that Texas families are feeling the housing pinch,” Nosek said. “We must address this problem to prevent a housing crisis from undermining the economic environment we’ve worked so hard to cultivate.”
