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.

Republicans Lead in Harris County Appraisal District

May 5, 2024

Additionally, Molly Cook will fill the remainder of Mayor John Whitmire's term in the state senate.

Harris County Jail Reprimanded by State

May 3, 2024

The jail has failed to meet the minimum staffing standard of one detention officer for every 48 inmates.

Billions in Bonds on Ballots Around Houston

April 30, 2024

Less than one percent of voters in Harris County have turned out to vote.

Attorney General to Take over Prosecution of Harris County Judge Staff

April 25, 2024

Outgoing Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said that she felt the Attorney General's office would be the best agency to prosecute the cases.

Texas Supreme Court Puts Harris County’s Guaranteed Income Scheme On Hold

April 23, 2024

The attorney general has labeled the program “unlawful.”

Audit Reveals Fort Bend ISD Bond Failures

April 23, 2024

The audit was conducted following revelations of a $133 million gap between the amount voters approved and the cost of the bond.

Houston ISD Expected to Seek Multibillion Dollar Bond

April 18, 2024

While the district hasn’t said how much a proposed bond would cost, a local paper reported that a recent estimate was for between $3.5 and $5 billion.

Harris County Audit Finds Purchasing Issues

April 18, 2024

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wants to move vendor contracting authority after a new report from the County Auditor highlighted several...

Houston-area Lawmakers Call for a Hearing on Houston ISD

April 10, 2024

The requested hearing is intended to address potential violations of state law, what evidence points to the new superintendent's education model...

Attorney General Paxton Sues Harris County Over Basic Income Program

April 9, 2024

Paxton is asking the court to stop the county from issuing payments under the program and deem it unconstitutional.

Houston Police Department Finds DNA Matches for Uninvestigated Rape Kits

April 9, 2024

Thus far, 76 rape kits tested for DNA have resulted in CODIS matches.

Opposition to Highway Expansion Projects in Houston on the Rise

April 4, 2024

Some residents are concerned with the use of eminent domain in such projects, as well as the environmental impact.