In a departure from traditional investor conferences, Houston Controller Chris Hollins hosted an event aimed at showcasing the city’s investment opportunities without the anticipated support from key city officials. This rift has emerged following Mayor John Whitmire’s concerns regarding corporate sponsorships, which he deemed potentially unethical, spurring a request for an investigation. Whitmire’s allegations suggest
Politics
In a significant turn of events, Houston managed to avert a catastrophic blow to its fiscal 2025 budget, following Texas state officials’ decision to allocate funds for debris removal necessitated by severe storms. This moment of relief, however, casts a spotlight on the broader financial challenges that Houston faces, challenges that stem not only from
As cities across the United States begin to emerge from the fiscal support provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), they encounter new challenges in managing their budgets and ensuring financial stability. The transition from reliance on federal funds to self-sustaining financial practices has prompted a critical reassessment of local fiscal policies. With soaring
In a dramatic clash of leadership, Houston Mayor John Whitmire has publicly criticized city Controller Chris Hollins over the controversial sponsorship of an upcoming investor conference, raising unsettling questions about ethics and accountability. As Whitmire leveled accusations of “pay-to-play” against Hollins, a broader discussion about governance, financial integrity, and public trust in city administration emerged,
In the wake of Puerto Rico’s financial crises, the territory is now pivoting toward a model that relies on public-private partnerships (P3s) to rejuvenate its infrastructure, specifically the toll road system. The recent agreement involving Puerto Rico Tollroads, LLC, and the issuance of $286.2 million in senior revenue bonds marks a significant step as the
In recent years, the landscape of energy production and consumption has undergone significant changes, driven largely by the urgent need for cleaner and more sustainable sources of power. A prime example of this transition can be seen with Utah’s Intermountain Power Agency (IPA), which is currently navigating a pivotal shift from coal-powered generation to cleaner
In the midst of a relentless housing affordability crisis, advocates are increasingly vocal about the need for legislative action to support the construction and preservation of affordable housing units across the United States. Specifically, the House Committee on Ways and Means is being urged to prioritize the expansion of Private Activity Bonds (PABs) as a
In a significant legal development, a Utah judge has declared the proposed Amendment A unconstitutional, a decision that reverberates through the state’s educational landscape. This proposed constitutional amendment aimed to alter the allocation of Utah’s income tax revenue, particularly concerning K-12 public schools. The ruling raises alarm among educators and parents about the intricacies of
In recent months, the topic of affordable housing has gained significant traction in political discourse, particularly during high-profile events like the presidential election and recent vice-presidential debates. With urban areas facing mounting pressure to address housing shortages, Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted transit-oriented development (TOD) as a strategic method to tackle this crisis. Harris’s
As communities across the southeastern United States grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the urgency for forward-thinking disaster relief mechanisms has reached a critical point. Helene, which struck land on September 26, 2023, exacerbated humanitarian crises, leaving a devastating toll of 227 lives lost and many more unaccounted for. As Florida braces for Hurricane