Governance

Property Taxes: How Houston Compares

Amid debate about tax rates and revenue caps in Houston, new report compares property taxes across the country.

Houston and Harris County Went Even More Blue in 2016. When Will Texas?

A boost in Hispanic voter turnout was credited for Democratic wins in Houston's Harris County, but will Texas follow?

Five Facts About the Sad State of Local Politics

Most mayoral elections included in the analysis went unopposed.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Scores Big Win With Pension Reform Vote

After years of attempts, pension reform in Houston is about to become reality.

Who Runs for Mayor in America?

This report looks at mayoral elections in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota and Virginia.

How to Better Understand Houston's Complex Network of Parks

Focusing only on green space administered by the city government provides an incomplete picture.

Tapping The Brakes On Public-Private Partnership in Texas

Using P3s strategically and carefully is a must. Texas still has the opportunity to do that, despite a recent vote.

Houston Mayor Calls on Private Sector to Fill Gaps, Push City Forward

With a pension reform bill in the legislature, Turner said the city is on the path to a more stable financial future.

Turns Out Houstonians Really Like Living in Houston

More than two-thirds of residents say even if they could move anywhere else, they'd still choose Space City as their home.

Survey Results Show Houstonians Feel Safer Than Ever Before

Just 18 percent of residents surveyed say they’re “very worried” that they or a family member could become a violent crime victim, marking a record low.

Houston Residents Increasingly Believe Post-High School Education Is Unnecessary

Today, just 54 percent of area residents say education beyond high school is needed to be successful.

Houston Housing Authority Freezes Voucher Program Amid Shortfall

About 900 households had to give back their vouchers.

Consolidation or Collaboration? Common Solutions to Reduce Overlapping Services in Local Government

A report framing the issue of overlapping services within the Houston area.

Harris County's New Marijuana Policies Could Keep Doors From Being Closed on Users

Blacks are more than three times as likely as whites to be prosecuted for marijuana possession. Reforms in Harris County can help address that disparity.

Texas Has Big Potential To Get "Smart," But Time Is Of The Essence

No state in the country has a formal "smart city" implementation plan. Texas may be uniquely positioned to lead.