Texas is once more flirting with expanding passenger rail
The state’s booming population, congestion problems and billions of federal dollars on the table have officials eyeing ways to boost passenger rail. Full Story
Joshua Fechter is the Dallas-based urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, covering policy — including housing affordability, housing and property taxes, evictions, policing and transportation — and politics in Texas' major metropolitan areas. Before joining the Tribune in August 2021, Joshua covered City Hall for the San Antonio Express-News. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
The state’s booming population, congestion problems and billions of federal dollars on the table have officials eyeing ways to boost passenger rail. Full Story
The ruling comes amid a nationwide surge in homelessness as high rents put pressure on low-income households and pandemic-era protections expire. Full Story
Friedman launched a boisterous campaign for governor in 2006, decades after forming the band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys. Full Story
The $500 fine from the Texas Ethics Commission comes after the agency found the Harris County judge broke state campaign laws barring use of government resources for political purposes. Full Story
A new housing report from Harvard University found that would-be homebuyers need to make more money than ever if they want to buy a home in Texas’ urban areas. Full Story
The Democrats’ recently approved platform includes calls to loosen zoning rules, which housing experts believe contribute to high housing costs. Full Story
City leaders and advocates hope reducing the size of lots used to build homes will increase housing supply. Full Story
The Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether he’ll be reelected. Full Story
In the state’s larger counties, voters can now elect people to the agencies that appraise property values. Full Story
Texas has spent billions of dollars to drive down property taxes. Many homeowners saw a significant tax cut last year, per a Texas Tribune analysis. Full Story