Ariel Blackwell is a dedicated nurse living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She works tirelessly to care for her patients and provide for her family, yet she struggles to find an affordable place to live in the very community she serves. Despite her essential role, Ariel faces the harsh reality of spending nearly half of her income on rent and utilities, with no relief in sight. Her story is not unique; it highlights the broader housing crisis gripping Fort Worth today.
Fort Worth, like many cities across the nation, is grappling with an affordable housing crisis that shows no signs of abating. With over 155,000 lower-income households spending more than 46% of their income on rent and utilities, the need for a solution is urgent. The answer, however, lies not in complex and costly new developments or new tax dollar expenditures but in a simple, yet transformative change to our zoning laws.
The proposal is straightforward: convert just 10% of our existing vacant residential spaces into affordable housing units. This modest shift could yield over 15,500 new units, providing immediate relief to thousands of families without requiring a single new building. Such a conversion could save the city billions in long-term costs associated with addressing the housing shortage through more traditional means.
Fort Worth’s current zoning laws were created for a different time and set of circumstances. Today, they present an opportunity for improvement, as they can be reformed to better utilize available space and address income inequality. With thoughtful updates, we can close the gap and create a more inclusive and equitable community.
Updating the zoning code to allow for more flexible use of single-family homes is the single most impactful step Fort Worth can take to address its affordable housing crisis. This change would enable the integration of lower-income citizens into neighborhoods, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. Moreover, by implementing a regulated licensing process, akin to Houston’s Lodging License system, Fort Worth can ensure that these new housing options are safe and well-maintained.
The benefits of this approach extend beyond immediate housing relief. It would provide the city with much-needed oversight of currently unregulated activities, promoting better standards and accountability. Additionally, it would position Fort Worth as a forward-thinking city, willing to adopt innovative solutions to pressing problems.
The concept is not without precedent. PadSplit, an Atlanta-based affordable housing provider, has successfully demonstrated that existing single-family homes can be repurposed to meet the needs of those who need a little help, not a lot. Their model, which sits between supportive housing and market-rate housing, proves that affordable solutions are not only feasible but also effective.
The bottom line is clear: Fort Worth must act now to update its zoning laws and embrace this practical, cost-effective solution. By doing so, we can ensure that those who serve our community can also live in our community. The path forward requires collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders, but the potential rewards are immense.
Fort Worth’s affordable housing crisis is a complex challenge, but the solution need not be. By making a simple change to our zoning code, we can unlock thousands of new housing units, alleviate the burden on lower-income families, and build a more equitable city for all. Let’s seize this opportunity to transform our community and provide the stability and security that every resident deserves.
Atticus LeBlanc is the Founder & CEO of PadSplit.