Governance

What To Watch: Looking Ahead to the 86th Legislative Session

Thanks in part to the results of the recent election, lawmakers are underscoring this session as a time to focus on "bread and butter" issues.

Sales Tax Could be the Key to Alleviate Revenue Shortfalls

Government entities in the Greater Houston region are increasingly struggling to provide urban-level services to all residents, particularly those in unincorporated suburban areas. Raising or allowing high-growth urban counties to collect sales tax could improve the provision of public services to all residents.

Could A Regional Approach to Revenue Help The Houston Area's Patchwork System of Governance and Services?

Regional governance in the Houston area currently produces disparities between communities and frustrates regional challenges. Regional revenue sharing offers a different approach without ceding local autonomy.

Special Districts Helped Form Houston. But the Patchwork of Governments Also Presents A Challenge Going Forward.

A patchwork of cities, counties, municipal utility districts and other jurisdictions across the region has created barriers to long-term regional prosperity, according to a new report.

Want to Make Your City Care About A Policy Issue? Try A Dashboard.

Data scientist Jeff Reichman of January Advisors has been building a bridge between data and policymakers in Houston and beyond.