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Houston, Texas 77027
Urban Reform Institute is a 501c3 Non-Profit organization
that exists to promote approaches that enable cities to
drive opportunity for the bulk of their citizens.
Spiraling Admin Costs + Strong Toll Revenue Recovery at HCTRA
in Blog, Urban Issues/by Tory GattisToll revenue recovery at Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is strong, but admin costs have skyrocketed since 2020.
Countering the “Freeway Fighters”
in Blog, Planning/by Tory Gattisby 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
in Blog/by Tory GattisHouston 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
in Blog/by Tory Gattisby 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.
New Book: Houston as the Bold Case Against Zoning
in Blog/by Tory GattisA new book by M. Nolan Gray cites the Houston city model makes a bold case against zoning.
Comparing the Inflating Costs of Houston Highways vs. Transit
in Blog/by Tory GattisInflation is causing huge cost increases for all types of infrastructure projects; this week we compare Houston highway vs. transit cost inflation.
The Death of Texas High-Speed Rail
in Blog/by URIadminThe death of Texas high-speed rail looks imminent based on the recent news of the CEO’s departure, but the economics never made sense unless Japan was willing to heavily subsidize the program in order to show off their trains in America (hoping for future sales).
Post HTX Diversity, Housing Costs Hurt Education and more
in Blog/by Tory Gattisby Tory Gattis — Big increases in housing costs since 2000 have likely eaten most of the wage premium return from getting a college education, reducing the incentive to invest in education.
Solving the Housing Shortage, and Houston Popular for Relocation
in Blog/by Tory Gattisby Tory Gattis — Wall Street Journal finds that the housing shortage is caused by a combination of zoning and financing rules and supply-chain constraints.
Metro’s Inner Katy BRT Plan, and Urban Exodus Trend
in Blog/by Tory Gattisby Tory Gattis — Metro’s Inner Katy BRT plan looks good except for TXDoT’s duplicative plans for vehicle traffic lanes to replace lost access to existing HOV lanes. And, the urban exodus continues.