Economy

Austin will now allow more homes to be built on single-family lots

by Joshua Fechter Dec. 7, 2023

City officials hope that allowing up to three units per lot will increase supply and slow the explosive increase in housing costs. The measure was approved by Austin City Council in a 9-2 vote late Thursday night. Full Story 

As offices sit empty and housing costs soar, some Texas developers are converting workspaces into apartments

by Joshua Fechter Dec. 6, 2023

Not every downtown high-rise is a good fit for an office-to-housing conversion, but some officials and developers see benefits in turning unused space into new residential units. Full Story 

In this East Texas town, a 45-foot tall oil pump is a holiday symbol and connection to the past

by Jess Huff Dec. 6, 2023

Rudolph the Red-Nose Pumping Unit has long been a holiday tradition in Lufkin. The machinery, now used worldwide to extract oil from the ground, was invented by a local businessman. Full Story 

Texas will have to cut methane emissions from oil fields under new federal climate rule

by Erin Douglas Dec. 2, 2023

The Biden Administration announced a crackdown on methane emissions, a major driver of climate change. Major oil and gas companies also signed on to a voluntary net-zero commitment. Full Story 

Watch a Jan. 10 conversation about the Texas workforce and what’s working

by Texas Tribune Events Staff Dec. 1, 2023

We’ll talk through hiring trends in Texas, in-demand skills, the resources the Workforce Commission provides, the role community colleges and the private sector play in developing a skilled Texas workforce, and more. Full Story 

A Texas politician wants to provide emergency services to constituents who don’t have them. Will they let him?

by Carlos Nogueras Ramos Nov. 30, 2023

In unincorporated West Odessa, residents relish their freedom. And they also go without basic services. Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett, a young Republican with Ronald Reagan good looks and politics, wants to change that. Full Story 

Climate change, costly disasters sent Texas homeowner insurance rates skyrocketing this year

by Erin Douglas Nov. 30, 2023

Texas rates have increased 22% on average so far in 2023, twice the national rate. More billion-dollar disasters have occurred in Texas this year than any other year on record. Full Story 

More than 765,000 older Texans are struggling to cover housing costs

by Joshua Fechter Updated: Nov. 30, 2023

A new Harvard University study found an increase in the number of Texas households headed by people 65 or older spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Advocates say keeping older adults housed will require substantial public investment and reforms. Full Story 

Despite strong economy, Texas cities grapple with excess office space

by Joshua Fechter Nov. 29, 2023

As remote and hybrid working become the new normal, major Texas cities are facing a decline in office tenants. It’s too soon to tell what that means for the vitality of downtowns. Full Story 

More than two-thirds of Texas’ 30.3 million residents live in four largest metro areas

by Karen Brooks Harper and Ayden Runnels Nov. 20, 2023

According to new Texas Demographic Center figures, the Austin region continues to grow at the fastest rate, but Fort Worth was the city that attracted the most new residents between 2020 and 2023. Full Story 

Seeking lower electricity rates, residents in two East Texas towns hope the state will intervene

by Pooja Salhotra Nov. 15, 2023

Livingston and Jasper residents hope a lawsuit will force their municipality-operated utility company to offer lower rates and create more transparency in setting rates. They’re among the 5 million Texans living outside the state’s deregulated market and cannot choose their energy provider. Full Story 

Texas is not prepared for Austin-San Antonio population boom, experts say

by Maia Pandey Updated: Nov. 29, 2023

The neighboring regions are projected to collectively grow from 5.2 million to 8.3 million people by 2050. But the state still lacks an overarching plan to address critical housing and transportation issues, experts said. Full Story 

Texans approved billions for water and broadband infrastructure. Now what?

by Jayme Lozano Carver Nov. 9, 2023

The legislation behind the historic investment directs state agencies to send money to the state’s smaller, cash-strapped towns that have difficulty paying for upgrades. Federal money is also expected to flow to regions that need broadband. Full Story 

Do Texans have the “right to farm?” Voters will decide with Proposition 1.

by Jayme Lozano Carver and Ayden Runnels Nov. 3, 2023

Supporters of the amendment say it will protect farmers as the state’s largest cities continue to grow. Opponents suggest the amendment is too broad and ambiguous. Full Story 

To fight climate change and housing shortage, Austin becomes largest U.S. city to drop parking-spot requirements

by Joshua Fechter Updated: Nov. 2, 2023

Affordable housing advocates, developers and climate activists say rules requiring a minimum amount of parking spaces on new projects drives up construction costs and enables a dependency on vehicles to get around town. Full Story 

In a hot oil and gas economy, a West Texas welder charts his own course one cup of coffee at a time

by Carlos Nogueras Ramos Nov. 2, 2023

Fabian Maldonado has supported his Odessa family for years on his welding salary. Wanting more, he’s gambling that a mobile coffee trailer can withstand the booms and busts of the industry. Full Story 

Texans may approve billions for energy, water, parks and broadband on Nov. 7

by Keaton Peters Oct. 31, 2023

At stake in next week’s constitutional amendment election is $13 billion in infrastructure spending. Supporters say it’s an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Full Story 

Texas is terrifying. Hollywood has noticed.

by Jayme Lozano Carver Oct. 31, 2023

From “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” to “Friday the 13th,” Texas is an ideal landscape to shock and delight audiences and ghost hunters. Full Story 

One of Texas’ oldest towns needs $200 million for upgrades. It’s asking voters to approve $44 million this fall.

by Jess Huff Oct. 27, 2023

The East Texas town is one of 218 local governments asking voters to approve new debt for repairs and upgrades to city infrastructure. Local leaders say inflation isn’t helping them keep up with capital needs. Full Story 

These women want careers as truck drivers. They say they can’t get a job because of their gender.

by Pooja Salhotra Oct. 26, 2023

The Dallas-based trucking company, Stevens Transport, said they do not discriminate against women and the complaint is based on a “misunderstanding.” Full Story