Protests, public space and the remaking of cities
Highways that divide neighborhoods, crumbling local streets, poorly maintained public spaces and proximity to unhealthy industrial sites — impact black and brown communities far more than wealthier, predominately white neighborhoods. These inherent inequalities in the nation’s infrastructure systems are problems that arise from decades of racial inequality and disinvestment.
Militarization has fostered a policing culture that sets up protesters as ‘the enemy’
As a former police officer of 27 years and a scholar who has written on the policing of marginalized communities, I have observed the militarization of the police firsthand, especially in times of confrontation.
How will property tax reform impact cities? Houston’s revenue cap offers insight
The state’s property tax reform bill, which limits the amount cities and counties can raise property taxes to 3.5%, is expected to significantly affect one of the largest sources of revenue for local governments. Many will be looking for ways to circumvent the financial constraints of the measure. That’s something Houston has been dealing with since 2004.
4 things limiting Houston’s ability to generate more revenue
Houston lost $25 million in sales tax revenue in March alone because of COVID-19. But the city’s fiscal struggles existed before the coronavirus pandemic. A new Kinder Institute report compares the revenue sources and service levels among the three largest cities in Texas — Houston, Dallas and San Antonio — all of which are expected to see COVID-19-related revenue losses of between 10 and 15%. Of the three, Houston is the most constrained in its options for increasing revenue.
How Houston can reinvent itself and be bigger and better
As the city faces an economic crisis brought by the coronavirus pandemic and the downturn in oil, it needs to recognize the enormous opportunity to make changes that are necessary to become a leading 21st-century city.
A rush to map freedom colonies before a crucial part of history is lost
For the past six years, Andrea Roberts has been dispelling misconceptions about the history of African American placemaking in Texas through her Texas Freedom Colonies Project.
Sylvester Turner to face Tony Buzbee in runoff for Houston mayor
This story was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Kinder Institute Forum: Henry Cisneros
Former Mayor and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros shares strategies for inclusive growth, improving urban and social infrastructure and planning for affordable housing.
There are less than six months until the 2019 City of Houston elections
On November 5, the City of Houston will hold elections to choose a mayor, controller, and 16 council members to serve four-year terms from January 2020 to January 2024.
Texas Senate approves school finance reform bill but opts not to fund it with a sales tax hike
Via The Texas Tribune: The chambers will need to negotiate how to give teachers pay raises, whether to adjust how students take standardized tests and how to provide long-term property tax relief for Texans.
Texas Republicans warn Trump about ramifications of closing U.S.-Mexico border
Among those voicing opposition to the move are U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Time Is Running Out to Take Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's Survey
The survey was released in January and will close on March 30.
This week, what a rare but potentially catastrophic mega-storm might mean for Los Angeles, the many meanings of "suburban," where a proposal for universal childcare falls short and more.
This week, why private investment needs to be considered alongside public dollars, what happened to California's innovative rail project, a painful proposal for property tax relief in Texas and more.
This week, more bad news about Uber and Lyft's impact on transit, the link between maternal mental health and mobility, whether public testimony really changes policy and more.
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