Your county judge can order you to evacuate, override your mayor, commandeer your property, and govern by executive order — all without a single vote from anyone else. Did you know that?
Texas Tomorrow
Charles Blain focuses on the issues impacting urban and suburban communities now that will shape the future of Texas for years to come. Texas Tomorrow, a show dedicated to covering the issues important to families living in the fastest growing parts of Texas.
THE LATEST
The County Judge Might Have More Power Than You Think
Your county judge can order you to evacuate, override your mayor, commandeer your property, and govern by...
Cities Face A Tough Choice, Autonomy or More Money. Which Will They Choose?
Who gets to pass an ordinance in Texas, or more importantly, who gets the final say? Not always who you think.
When your city council starts making immigration policy, who’s actually running the city?
Houston City Council just passed an ordinance limiting when HPD can contact ICE. Chicago, Denver, New York,...
The Texas Mega-Event Machine: Who Really Pays?
Houston is spending half a billion dollars to look good for the World Cup and Arlington invested millions....
What’s Going on in Corpus Christi?
As Corpus Christi faces an emergency that could impact the rest of us, are its local officials able to meet...
Who’s Building Texas?
Governor Abbott just launched a statewide Jobs Council but the skilled trades shortage it's supposed to fix...
What Happens When Citizens Get Auditing Power?
Citizens can hold their local government accountable by reporting them, a good tool or bureaucratic...
Will Corpus Christi’s Water Crisis Worsen?
One of Texas's biggest industrial ports needs 60 million gallons of new water a day by November what happens...
Public School Closures Sparking Community Concerns
Seats are emptying and schools are closing but do we know exactly why?
Where Will Texas’s 400+ Data Centers Land?
Over 400 data centers are operating or under construction in Texas. The $500 billion Stargate project alone...
A Texas School Spent MILLIONS of Dollars Without Approval?!
Texas school districts are spending hundreds of millions without board approval, did the state make it...
How Much Power Does Your School Board Hold?
School board meetings have become battlegrounds—but most parents still have no idea how much power these...
What is the “Right Size” for Government?
Texas local governments come in all sizes, but is there a "right" size?
Do You Live Under an Invisible Government?
Some jurisdictions are so small they fly under the radar, but these invisible governments shouldn't go...
People Need More Access to Their Local Officials, Not Less
What happens in communities where people’s access to their officials, whether through network or time...
What Happens When Even Local Trust Fails?
We’re used to not trusting talking heads and distant politicians, but what happens when it's our neighbors...
Is Your City Hiding Debt Behind a Glossy Budget?
Every year, cities release polished budget presentations full of promises, but the real financial story is...
Is Your City Council Secretly Blocking Market Rate Housing?
The Texas legislature has recently passed bills aimed at lowering housing costs through deregulation, but...
Can Friday Night Lights Save a Dying Town?
In rural Texas, where high school enrollments have plummeted below 104 students, the 11-man game has been...
Do You Know Who Serves You?
Boards and commissions are stacked with insiders whose names you should know, but you should be paying...
What Happens When Citizens are Tired of Their City Selling Their Property?
Bee Cave residents fought back and told their city that if they want to make land deals, they must first ask...
Is Microtransit Mission Creep Happening Near You?
Across the state, microtransit firms are popping up, replacing fixed bus networks, but they might not be all...
Who is Really in Charge of Local Issues?
Is local government or local governance running your town? The difference matters, and you should know why.
Where is Local Government Filling the Gap?
When the federal government shuts down, local government keeps going. Why is that?
Public-Private Partnerships, Innovation, or Growing Problem?
P3s are popular across the state and are billed as innovative solutions to public projects, but do they...
Local Governments and AI
Local governments are increasingly using AI to support their work, but as with any tool, it's only as good...
Convention Centers Going Up in Texas: Who Will Pay?
Stadiums, convention centers, and arenas are receiving billions in technical upgrades, facelifts, and...
Who’s To Blame For Broken County Jails?
No one wants to take the blame for broken county jails in Texas, but you’re left holding the bag.
Fraud Costs, But How Much?
Fraud isn't just for credit cards or card games; it's happening where you live.
How Much Are You Indebted To Your City?
Local governments are racking up debt and trading your future. Isn't it time you had a say?
Are Unqualified Teachers Teaching Your Child?
A scandal is still unfolding as more teachers are embroiled in a certification test-taking scheme.
Is Your HOA Out of Bounds?
HOAs wield a lot of power; is it time some of that is curtailed?
Are Tax-Funded Stadiums Providing the Benefits They Promised?
Billions are spent on stadiums and arenas with the promise of increased economic return. Are taxpayers...
Will Trump’s New Homelessness Approach Work?
Will Trump's Executive Order targeting homelessness incentivize cities to finally address the issue, or will...
How Many Transparency Stars Does Your City Have?
Less than 230 local entities have even one transparency star. Why is that?
Should We Have a Public or Private Police Force?
Public safety is increasingly being outsourced and privatized in Texas neighborhoods due to a crumbling...