On September 1, 2025, House Bill 24 took effect in Texas. Supporters call it a way to “streamline” development. But in reality, it weakens the power of families and neighbors to have a say in how their communities grow.

For decades, Texas law gave local residents a meaningful way to protest zoning changes that could reshape their neighborhoods — whether by driving up rents, clogging streets with traffic, or crowding schools and infrastructure. If enough nearby property owners objected, city councils had to pass those zoning changes with a supermajority. That safeguard made sure community voices could not be ignored.

House Bill 24 makes it much harder for families to use that tool. Under the new law, only very large percentages of landowners can trigger stronger protections. In practice, it silences many ordinary Waco families while handing more power to developers and investors who are not directly affected by the changes they push.

The City of Waco has already amended its zoning ordinance to comply with this law. That means decisions about new housing, high-density projects, or commercial development may now move forward without real accountability to the people who live next door. Families could face rising costs, overwhelmed schools, and disappearing green space — all without a fair voice in the process.

Waco residents are not against growth. Communities need affordable housing and smart development. But growth must happen with families, not against them. When state law strips away protections and silences community protests, it tips the scales toward developers and away from ordinary Texans.

We call on Waco Mayor Dillon Meek, the Waco City Council, and Texas legislators to defend families’ right to shape their neighborhoods. They must commit to stronger local protections — from affordable housing requirements to real opportunities for public input — so Waco families are not left powerless.

Waco deserves development that works for everyone, not laws that silence community voices.

Add your name to demand leaders protect Waco families from being silenced on zoning decisions.