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Bill

HD 3595

An Act to promote school centered neighborhood development

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tony Cabral and 4 co-sponsors

Legislation enables mixed-use development around schools to create walkable neighborhoods with integrated housing, retail, and services while addressing zoning barriers.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 3595

Legislative bill overview

HD 3595 aims to facilitate mixed-use neighborhood development centered around schools by creating zoning and regulatory frameworks that integrate residential, commercial, and educational spaces. The bill promotes "15-minute neighborhoods" where schools serve as community anchors with housing, retail, and services within walkable distances. This represents a shift toward New Urbanism planning principles that prioritize walkability and mixed-income communities over traditional single-use zoning.

Why is this important

School-centered development could increase housing affordability by enabling higher-density residential construction near existing public infrastructure, reduce vehicle dependency and traffic congestion, and revitalize underutilized school properties. However, implementation affects property values, municipal tax revenues, parking availability, and school operations—making this a significant planning and economic issue for communities statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandates: Whether state legislation should override municipal zoning authority, or if communities retain discretion to opt in/out
  • Housing density concerns: Neighborhood resistance to increased density, parking demands, and school capacity impacts in established residential areas
  • Economic equity questions: Whether development benefits existing residents or primarily attracts outside investors; displacement risks and affordable housing requirements need clarification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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