Charles Blain

Charles Blain is the president of Urban Reform and Urban Reform Institute. A native of New Jersey, he is based in Houston and writes on municipal finance and other urban issues.

Houston Business Owners Challenge Minority Contracting Requirements

February 27, 2025

The federal lawsuits seek to declare Minority and Women-Owned Business programs unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th...

Houston Audit Identifies Inefficiencies Across Departments

February 12, 2025

Auditors found misuse and abuse, but mostly bloated bureaucracy.

Attorney General Drops Charges Against Harris County Judge’s Former Chief of Staff

February 6, 2025

Alex Triantaphyllis was accused of misusing official information to steer a county contract to a Democrat political operative.

Houston Deficit Grows After Legal Loss

February 6, 2025

Houston may face a $320 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.

Charges Dropped Against Two Former Harris County Judge Staffers

January 29, 2025

The two were charged with misuse of official information and tampering with government records.

Katy Faces First De-annexation Challenge Under New Texas Law

January 23, 2025

A landowner wants to de-annex 80 acres from Katy's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Harris County Commissioners Court Attendance Sparks Debate, Hidalgo Responds

January 15, 2025

Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey criticized Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for missing 36 percent of meetings.

Harris County Mandates Backup Power

January 10, 2025

A new amendment in the Harris County fire code seeks to prevent power outages at assisted living facilities.

Harris County Commissioner Launches ‘Wasted Potential’ Campaign

January 7, 2025

Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey's “Wasted Potential” campaign targets excessive county spending.

Son of Late Shelia Jackson Lee Facing Investigations Over Residency

December 11, 2024

Jason Lee voted in Houston last month but is required to live in Chicago for his employment.

Houston Considers Short-Term Rental Rules

December 10, 2024

A new ordinance would regulate short-term rentals across Houston.

Houston City Council Member Calls for Amendment to Firefighter Labor Contract

December 4, 2024

A controversial rule in the agreement has come under scrutiny following suggestions that it benefits abusers rather than victims of misconduct.