
Houston’s Mini-Kaihatsu, Sinking False Alarm, and more
by Tory Gattis — Houston's reported rate of sinking may be a false alarm in terms of the city actually disappearing below sea level, and a new book notes similarities between Tokyo's mini-kaihatsu and Houston's townhouse developments.

Silliness of Induced Demand Arguments, NZ MUD Troubles, and more
by Tory Gattis — On the silliness of the induced demand anti-freeway-expansion argument; taxpayers *want* government to invest in infrastructure where there is demand!

With Low Ridership, Should Metro’s Excess Cash Pile Go To Flood Control?
by Tory Gattis — In spite of ridership being cut in half due to Covid, Metro's financial position became stronger than ever due to a huge influx of federal grants, a total of $714 million in Covid relief in 2020 and 2021. Should this excess go to flood control?

TXDoT and Harris County Reach Deal on 45N NHHIP Rebuild
by Tory Gattis — TXDoT and Harris County finally came to a historic agreement today that will reshape Houston mobility for decades to come. (April Fools...)

Houston vs. Austin, Kudos for Museum of Fine Arts Houston
by Tory Gattis — A just published review compares Houston vs. Austin, Woodlands ranked Best City to Live in America, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston receives praise from Travel + Leisure.

URI Report: Issues Relating to the Potential Municipal Incorporation of The Woodlands Township
Urban Reform Institute releases new report on Issues Relating to the Potential Municipal Incorporation of The Woodlands Township. The Woodlands Township is considering setting an election that would allow residents to vote in favor of or in opposition to incorporating The Woodlands Township into a city.

‘Be Someone’ City Opportunity Urbanism Event and more
by Tory Gattis — Join us Wednesday evening June 16th: Building a 'Be Someone' City: Houston and the Rise of Opportunity Urbanism. We will discuss how to develop a market-centered, ‘people-oriented’ approach to urban policy, planning, and development.

Astrodome as World’s Largest Climate-Controlled Festival Park, Smart Traffic Lights and more
by Tory Gattis — Could the Astrodome be repurposed as the world’s largest climate-controlled park with a focus on weekend festivals? Having an activated park full of activities and festivals on weekends that is always protected from heat and rain would be a very popular spot for Houstonians.

Four Drivers of Texas’ Rapid Growth
by Tory Gattis — Four drivers of Texas' rapid growth: a light touch on zoning, high standard of living, and family friendly housing prices in good school districts make for opportunity cities.

Texas and Houston Growth Secret, Texas Miracle is More than Oil
by Tory Gattis — Going beyond all the usual reasons given for Texas' high growth, here's the technical overlooked one that I think is a big key: Texas does not allow unincorporated counties to regulate land use (i.e. create zoning), which creates pretty much a totally free market in development just outside cities.