Empty Downtowns, Blue-state Exodus Continues, and HTX Port Expansion
Empty downtowns persist as data shows strong economic incentives to continue the work-from-home revolution if jobs allow it, plus Houston port expansion seems to be paying off.
Entries by Tory Gattis
2022 Highlights
Time for our annual round-up of 2022 highlights — the best posts from the year, with this year featuring many great posts from Oscar Slotboom.
TxDOT Highway Construction Inflation
TxDOT highway construction inflation is consistent with infrastructure cost increases nationwide, showing a sharp upward trend in project costs from 2021 to 2022.
Should METRO Reconsider Eliminating Transit Fares?
Houston’s METRO could reconsider eliminating transit fares – and save the cost of an upcoming huge contract to upgrade their payment system. METRO would have to be willing to be bold, to innovate and experiment in order to maximize the benefits and minimize downsides.
Latest Transit Ridership Data for Houston and Dallas
Average transit ridership nationwide remains down 33.4% in September compared to pre-Covid levels, but Houston Metro is doing better.
Why Houston is Better with TIRZs, and Minimal Zoning Restrictions
by Tory Gattis — Houston’s TIRZs (tax-increment reinvestment zones) may provide more opportunity for middle and working class families to find affordable housing than typical urban zoning practices.
Spiraling Admin Costs + Strong Toll Revenue Recovery at HCTRA
Toll revenue recovery at Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is strong, but admin costs have skyrocketed since 2020.
Countering the “Freeway Fighters”
by Tory Gattis — This piece covers the “freeway fighters”, a growing anti-freeway movement in America which will have many negative ramifications for the economies of metro areas.
Metro Needs to Rethink the University Line
Houston transit opponents worry that construction of the University Line will snarl traffic, invite unwelcome development and cripple local businesses.
Houston #1 Standard of Living Globally, HTX vs LA, and more
by Tory Gattis — Houston has the highest purchasing power at the lowest cost-of-living in the world… aka the highest standard of living in the world.