Why the City of Austin Wants Voters to Hike Their Property Taxes
And what Prop Q could mean for the future of local governments in Texas
Housing
Judge Strikes Down Lege’s Power-Grab Against Cities, HB 2127
A judge ruled Texas "Death Star" law, which would preempt local legislation in broad areas of policy, of violating the state constitution.
The Texas Observer Lives!
After a terrifying near-death experience, we live to muckrake another day.
A Houston Opera About the Unhoused, Inspired by the Streets
Drawing on 60 hours of interviews with homeless residents, the production transmutes daily life and hardship into art.
Fair Hiring, Unfair Housing
There are laws and programs to help formerly-incarcerated Texans get employed, but finding a home can be far more challenging.
Texas’ Eviction Craze
Amid record heat and a new COVID wave, state residents are being threatened with homelessness in rising numbers.
Record Highs: Springtime Heat a Dangerous New Threat to Homeless Texans
Sweltering temperatures imperil unsheltered residents, and community resources aren’t a given.
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Neither Here, Nor There
The City of Austin is back to playing whack-a-mole with its large unsheltered population.
Houston Is Hailed as a National Success for Fighting Homelessness. But the Reality Isn’t Quite as Rosy.
Simple overall stats don’t show the truth of the housing crisis.
Rodriguez Goes on Offense Against Homeless Camping in Democratic Primary
The longtime state representative and congressional candidate parrots conservative talking points in wedge-issue mailer.