TAAHP’s Year of Advocacy Leading to the 89th Legislative Session

As we approach the opening of the 89th Texas Legislative Session on January 14, 2025, TAAHP is hard at work preparing for a session that could shape the future of affordable housing in our state. With just 140 days to ensure that affordable housing remains at the forefront of the legislature’s agenda, now is the time to look back at the efforts that have brought us to this point—and share the crucial work that lies ahead.

As we all know, affordable housing is not just a policy issue—it’s a matter of economic stability and quality of life for thousands of Texans. In the 89th Legislative Session, we will be pushing for actionable solutions that increase the supply of affordable housing, preserve existing units, and ensure that our most vulnerable populations are not left behind. Together, we have the power to make real change—but we must remain vigilant and engaged as the session unfolds.

TAAHP’s Historic Legislative Engagement and Year-Round Advocacy

TAAHP has long been at the forefront of advocating for affordable housing in Texas, building strong relationships with lawmakers, stakeholders, and members to shape policies that promote growth in the affordable housing sector. In the 88th Legislative Session, we successfully championed several key pieces of legislation that had a positive impact on our industry. These victories, however, didn’t happen by chance—they were the result of consistent, year-round advocacy, collaboration, and preparation.

Since the conclusion of the 88th Session, TAAHP has been working diligently to ensure that affordable housing remains a priority in the upcoming 89th Legislative Session. A key part of this effort has involved monitoring the interim charges issued by the Texas House and Senate, which direct committees to investigate critical policy areas before the session begins. These interim charges help guide legislative priorities, and TAAHP has been actively engaged throughout 2024—testifying at hearings, meeting with lawmakers, and ensuring that affordable housing remains a central focus.

Additionally, we’ve hosted events such as our Affordable Housing 101 Lunch & Learn sessions to educate and engage legislators and stakeholders on the pressing housing issues facing Texas. As we approach the start of the new session, our year-long groundwork is setting the stage for another impactful legislative period.

Housing Working Groups: Shaping Solutions Ahead of the Session

One of the most exciting developments in the lead-up to the 89th Legislative Session is the formation of Speaker Dade Phelan’s Housing Working Group. These voluntary, nonpartisan working groups will provide House members with an opportunity to collaborate on policy ideas and explore innovative solutions for the housing challenges facing Texas. The working groups are not intended to replace the work of standing committees but to complement their efforts.  TAAHP has encouraged our strongest housing advocates to participate in these working groups, ensuring that affordable housing remains a key issue on the legislative agenda.

The Speaker’s Race: What It Means for Housing Advocacy

As we approach the 89th Legislative Session, the Speaker’s race is one of the most significant developments unfolding at the Texas Capitol. The Speaker of the Texas House holds a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda for the entire session, including determining which bills make it to the House floor for debate and vote. Crucially, the Speaker also decides who will lead the House committees—committees where all legislation, including housing bills, must first pass through before reaching the full House for a vote. Committee chairs, appointed by the Speaker, have significant power over which bills get hearings, advance, or stall, making this decision pivotal for affordable housing policy.

As of early December 2024, Speaker Dade Phelan has withdrawn from the race, creating a contest between Representative David Cook, a Republican from Houston, and Representative Dustin Burrows, a Republican from Lubbock. Cook leads a more conservative faction, while Burrows represents a broader, bipartisan coalition, including Democratic support. Although Burrows claims he has the votes to win, the race remains highly competitive and uncertain.

This uncertainty creates an unpredictable environment for the beginning of the session. The outcome of the Speaker’s race could significantly impact the pace and direction of affordable housing legislation. TAAHP is closely monitoring the developments in this race and working to build relationships with potential speakers to ensure that affordable housing remains a top priority, regardless of who ultimately leads the House.

TAAHP Advocacy in Action & Key Dates

TAAHP is committed to actively shaping the state’s legislative agenda for the 89th Session. Here’s a timeline of key dates, TAAHP events, and advocacy efforts leading up to and during the session:

Preparing for the 89th Legislative Session