Tag Archive for: infrastructure

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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...

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 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.

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.