In an attempt to improve the colonia situation in rural areas, model subdivision rules have been created to help alleviate the creation of  requirements related to platting, selling, and connecting utilities to residential subdivision lots.

 

Although the creation of model subdivision rules helped make positive adjustments in our rural areas; several "model subdivisions" are still essentially colonias and are littlred with substandard housing. Unfortunately, since the definition of a colonia deems that residents lack basic services such as drinking water, sewage treatment, and paved roads; people who live in model subdivisions, but who still face atrocious living conditions are denied funding to help them attain decent and affordable housing. 

 

In 2015, the Dallas Fed released “Las Colonias in the 21st Century: Progress Along the Texas–Mexico Border,” a report that examines successes and challenges in infrastructure, housing, economic opportunity, education and health in Texas border colonias. This video provides an overview of the state of the colonias featured in the report, as well as key findings and promising strategies to improve living conditions and access to opportunity in these communities.