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.
Special Districts Run Amok

Special Districts Run Amok

Special districts have spread like wildfire across this state. Because of their lack of transparency and ability to tax and spend they have the ability to do almost whatever they want.

Is It Time For One Bin For All?

Is It Time For One Bin For All?

Houston explored, and was awarded a grant for, an innovative approach to recycling – one bin for all. But, the project never kicked off, is it time to revisit it?

Recycling Program Gets Dumped

Recycling Program Gets Dumped

Houston’s current recycling contract with Waste Management expires next week and the two parties are at an impasse on how to move forward.

Amid Deficit, HISD Continues Spending

Amid Deficit, HISD Continues Spending

Facing a budget gap in the hundreds of millions, HISD still refuses to stop sending. The district is currently spending money to rename district campuses named after confederate leaders.

The Labor Union Manifesto

The Labor Union Manifesto

Public unions claim their only interest is to best represent their members. But what we are seeing is that many public unions care growing their membership and thus, their power.

Turner’s Fiscal Reforms

Turner’s Fiscal Reforms

Houstonians are finally getting to see what “shared sacrifice” under newly elected Mayor Turner will look. So far, it looks as though his attempts are in the best interest of the city.