Author: Conor Dougherty

October 15, 2026 Conor Dougherty

California’s Proposition 45 Brings the Sprawl Debate Back

Among the measures up for a vote in November is one that would amend the state’s landmark environmental law and make it easier to build large housing developments outside cities.

Building (Construction)Homeowners' Associations Houston (Tex)Loneliness Planned Cities and Communities Real Estate and Housing (Residential)Suburbs United States

September 27, 2026 Conor Dougherty

The Cure for Loneliness May Lie in a Suburban Duplex

Fresh pies. Book groups. Puzzle challenges. Developers of master-planned communities see fear of social isolation and desire for friends as a business opportunity. Welcome to Amity Lane.

Building (Construction)Houston (Tex)Planned Cities and Communities Real Estate and Housing (Residential)Suburbs

September 27, 2026 Conor Dougherty

Here’s Your New House. It Comes With Friends.

Fresh pies. Book groups. Puzzle challenges. Developers of master-planned communities see fear of social isolation and desire for friends as a business opportunity. Welcome to Amity Lane.

California California Forever LP Factories and Manufacturing Law and Legislation Newsom, Gavin Planned Cities and Communities Solano County (Calif)

September 5, 2026 Conor Dougherty

California Forever’s Ambitious Plan Faces Another Setback

A legislative setback for a manufacturing and housing proposal shows how hard it remains to build in the largest state — and why a backlash against billionaires could make it even harder.