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.

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Addressing Housing Affordability with Rep. Paul Dyson

In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, host Charles Coats welcomes Representative Paul Dyson of House District 14 in Texas to discuss the current legislative session. The conversation delves into the pressing issue of housing affordability in Texas, exploring proposed bills and solutions like House Bill 5489, which aims to impose a moratorium on impact fees to ease housing costs. Dyson also shares insights into his experiences as a freshman representative, his committee work, and other legislative efforts around water infrastructure. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and potential policies affecting housing and growth in Texas. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on how local and state governments are navigating these crucial issues.

The Think Brazos Podcast is 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 thinkbrazos.org

We sit down with Salim Furth, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center, George Mason University. We dive deep into state-level housing bills and explore what's being proposed in Texas’ 89th Legislative Session to enhance housing affordability and attainability. Discover the impact of HB878, the benefits of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and the broader implications of zoning reforms on property rights and local communities. Additionally, Salim provides comparisons to other states like California, Montana, and Florida, shedding light on successful housing policies and their outcomes. Don't miss this detailed discussion on how Texas can navigate legislative reforms to ensure housing remains within reach for its growing population. 

In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, Justin Wager discusses his plans and aspirations for Bryan, Texas, as he campaigns for Place 6 on the Bryan City Council. Justin shares insights about his upbringing in Bryan, his early interest in politics, and how his background in the family restaurant business influences his perspective. He addresses key policy areas such as infrastructure improvements, downtown revitalization, zoning, housing affordability, and transportation. Justin also highlights his commitment to transparency and community service. Join us for an informative discussion aimed at helping the community understand Justin Wager's goals and vision for the future of Bryan. 

NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.

The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx

STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations.

Follow them on:

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The Think Brazos Podcast is 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

Join us on this episode of the Think Brazos podcast as we sit down with Kevin Boriskie, Place 6 at Large Council Member and re-election candidate for the City of Bryan. Kevin, a fourth-generation Bryan resident with extensive experience in community development and finance, shares his insights on maintaining affordable housing, enhancing public transportation, and strategically planning for community growth. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local entities, including Texas A&M University, to tackle public safety and economic development challenges. Discover Kevin's vision for Bryan's future and his plans to improve the quality of life for its residents. 

NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.

The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx

STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations.

Follow them on:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs

Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs

The Think Brazos Podcast is 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

On this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, join us for an engaging conversation with Bob Achgill, a candidate for the third single-member district of the Bryan City Council. Achgill delves into his transition from a petrochemical engineer to a community advocate, shares his experiences in Russia, and highlights his work with the deaf community. The discussion covers key issues such as Bryan's housing affordability, public transportation challenges, and policy measures to discourage large-scale housing investors. Bob also provides insights into the critical issues of water supply, space safety, and local elections, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth and a healthy, safe community.

NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.

The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx

STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations.

Follow them on:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs

Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs

The Think Brazos Podcast is 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

In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, host Charles Coats interviews Jared Salvato, candidate for Bryan City Council District 3, as he shares his vision for Bryan, Texas. Councilman Salvato discusses his background in banking and finance, affordable housing, and strategies for revitalizing neighborhoods through multifamily projects. The conversation covers Bryan's housing market challenges, economic development initiatives, including attracting high-tech manufacturing, and the role of 380 agreements. We also explore the future of transportation in Bryan with increased funding for the Brazos Transit District and plans for a trolley system.

NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.

The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx

STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations.

Follow them on:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs

Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs

The Think Brazos Podcast is 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

In this episode of Think Brazos Podcast, Charles interviews Patrick Giammalva, a candidate for City Council District 5 in Bryan, Texas. Giamalva emphasizes the need for a city council with vision focused on current community needs, advocating for infrastructure improvements, park restoration, and addressing the city's affordable housing challenges. He highlights his past efforts in clean-up initiatives and stresses the importance of local government supporting affordable housing and economic development. Giamnalva also criticizes current city strategies and calls for more citizen input in decision-making processes. 

NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.

The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx

STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations.

Follow them on:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs

Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs

The Think Brazos Podcast is 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.

Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org

This episode of the Think Brazos Podcast features Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, a candidate for Single Member District Five on the Bryan City Council. Shurtleff discusses her ongoing commitment to Bryan's development, highlighting her achievements in economic growth and her plans for diverse housing solutions. The conversation also covers public transportation, city collaboration, and the importance of local governance for community betterment. Shurtleff emphasizes her dedication to serving the community and encourages citizens to engage with local government initiatives. 

NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.

The Think Brazos Podcast is publishing interviews with the candidates for Bryan Council for the November 5, 2024 election. You can find our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube. #vote #votelocal #localgovernment #texas #bryantx #bryantexas #betterinbryan

STUDIO SPONSOR: We'd like to thank the Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore for allowing us to use their space to record these important conversations.

Follow them on:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/restorebcs

Instagram: https://instagram.com/restorebcs

The Think Brazos Podcast is 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

Shane Savage, a lifelong Bryan resident and owner of a local business, discusses his campaign for Place 4 of the Bryan City Council. Savage outlines his platform, emphasizing the need to reconnect the city council with Bryan's working-class citizens and address key issues like affordable housing and public transportation. He also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses. Savage believes his fresh perspective can contribute to the city's growth without compromising the needs of current residents. Resources and contact information for his campaign are provided for those interested in supporting his candidacy.

NO ENDORSEMENTS. JUST PODCASTS.

Learn more at thinkbrazos.org

Studio sponsor: Habitat for Humanity BCS ReStore.