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.

City Officials Consider Property Tax Increases and Garbage Fee for Houston Residents

April 3, 2024

The administration may seek to lift both the city’s local property tax cap and the state-imposed property tax cap in one ballot measure this November.

Sugar Land to Ban Smoke Shops

March 29, 2024

The City Council is considering amending the development code to remove “tobacco, hookah, and vapor retail store” as a permitted use, effectively...

Tax Hikes and New Fees for Houston

March 26, 2024

The ideas floated to close the budget deficit are a trash fee and asking voters to increase the maximum allowable revenue the city can collect under...

Republican Alex Mealer Joins Houston METRO Board

March 22, 2024

The agency has a budget of $1.6 billion and provides public transportation across Harris County.

Houston Firefighter Settlement Taking Shape

March 21, 2024

Houstonians will pay $72 million annually for the next five years and then $36 annually for the duration of the life of the judgment bond.

Houston City Council Members Raise Questions Over Firefighter Deal

March 18, 2024

The agreement was announced last week and includes a $650 million back pay settlement for all active firefighters, retired firefighters, families of...

City of Houston and Fire Department Reach Deal

March 15, 2024

The city plans to pay $656.5 million to settle the eight-year labor dispute.

Houston Mayor Announces Police Review Task Force Members

March 14, 2024

The committee is meant to collect data, review the Houston Police Department's work, ensure transparency, and report to Mayor Whitmire.

Houston Police Officers Demoted, Mayoral Committee Will Review Suspended Cases

March 12, 2024

Both Mayor Whitmire and Chief Finner promised that there will be accountability once the review is complete.

Houston Budget Faces $160m-plus Shortfall

March 8, 2024

Houston Finance Director Melissa Dubowksi told city council members to expect a shortfall of at least $160 million in the upcoming fiscal year 2025...

Harris County District Attorney Ousted by Soros-backed Challenger Sean Teare

March 7, 2024

Incumbent District Attorney Kim Ogg lost by a nearly 50 point margin.

Houston Makes Progress on Deal with Firefighters

March 1, 2024

A tentative agreement has been announced to end the city’s 8-year labor dispute with the Houston Professional Firefighters Association.