Tag Archive for: infrastructure

Houston's proposed University Line, Metro Transit

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.
Welcome to Texas road sign

Texans don’t leave, checklist for opportunity cities, exurbia rising

by Tory Gattis — Lessons from history and from the success stories of the present point to clear priorities for cities to become today’s opportunity cities.
Quote from Tory Gattis about Texas MUDs

The URI Next American Cities Report, Texas MUDs as a Model

This newly released report from Urban Reform Institute examines the places that offer opportunity for a revitalized American Dream for more citizens.
405 Transportation Plan

Can Houston Avoid L.A.’s Mobility Disaster?

Over the past 20 years, Los Angeles County drastically curtailed highway improvements and poured massive resources into expanding public transit. The result: disaster. Why do Harris County officials want to bring Los Angeles-style transportation planning to Houston?
Winter storm, Texas 2021Brian Bennett, used under CC 2.0 License

Preventing big infrastructure failures, mass migration to Texas and more

by Tory Gattis — To prevent big infrastructure failures, we need to compare a proposed project estimate to similar projects actual costs BEFORE a project goes through the approval process.
Is public transportation climate friendly?

Carbon Capture Subscriptions, Climate Entrepreneurs and more

by Tory Gattis — Every day I meet another oil and gas guy who is now a climate entrepreneur. I think there is going to be an explosion of clean energy activity out of the O&G sector...
Las Colinas light-rail station in Irving, Texas

Infrastructure Bill Problems, Dallas TOD Failure, Transit Issues

I have mixed feelings about the $1T infrastructure bill - a lot of money will be going into transit — a black hole, especially Amtrak.

HCTRA Annual Report Shows Impact of COVID and Toll Diversions

by Tory Gattis, with data from Oscar Slotboom — The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) fiscal year 2021 annual financial report shows impact of COVID, but it had a strong financial position prior to COVID, and easily handled the financial setback.
Houston's downtown, looking outward toward suburbs

Houston’s Blob is About to Eat Even More of East Texas…and We Should Embrace It

by Tory Gattis — Houston’s traditional “build more” approach to growth responds to what people want rather than what urban planners think is the 'right' way.
Winter storm, Texas 2021Brian Bennett, used under CC 2.0 License

Simple Free Solution to TX Winter Storm Blackouts

by Tory Gattis — There was a simple, free solution to TX winter blackouts: add natural gas pipeline pumps to the list of critical infrastructure so their power isn't cut.