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.

Texas Supreme Court Extends Pause on Harris County Guaranteed Income Program

June 14, 2024

Harris County’s controversial guaranteed basic income pilot program Uplift Harris planned to send a $500 monthly stipend to low-income families with...

Houston City Council Passes $7.3 Billion Budget

June 13, 2024

The $7.3 billion fiscal year 2025 budget was approved by a vote of 15-2.

Houston City Council Approves $650 Million Bond

June 12, 2024

The $650 million, non-voter-approved, judgment bond is for backpay to the city’s firefighters as a part of a larger settlement.

Harris County Approves Jail Upgrades

June 7, 2024

Over 50 inmates have died in the custody of the Harris County jail in recent years, an issue often attributed to understaffing or poor training.

Houston Delays Votes on Budget and Firefighter Deal

June 5, 2024

Both items are expected to be back before the city council next week for consideration.

Seven Indicted in Houston Public Corruption Scheme

May 31, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire vowed to work with any agency to identify and remove corruption as his administration moves forward.

Houston ISD to Call for $4.4 Billion Bond

May 31, 2024

Houston Independent School District last passed a bond in 2012.

Harris County Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Arrested

May 28, 2024

Jason Spencer was recently arrested for violating a protection order in Montgomery County.

Texas Education Agency Investigates Complaint into Houston ISD Superintendent

May 22, 2024

The complaint alleges that Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ charter school network was using Texas tax dollars to subsidize financially...

Houston Mayor Rolls Out $6.7 Billion Budget

May 14, 2024

While the budget did not include new fees or higher taxes, Mayor Whitmire's accompanying budget letter indicated that both could still be on the...

Houston Controller Clashes with Mayor over Collective Bargaining

May 9, 2024

Controller Chris Hollins is arguing the city could lower the taxpayer burden on the settlement to half of what is currently being proposed.

Houston Police Chief Resigns Amid Controversy

May 8, 2024

Police Chief Troy Finner resigned on Tuesday following new revelations about his knowledge of 260,000 uninvestigated cases.