IssuesTaxes & SpendingSome Texas Local Governments Spend Well Above Population Plus Inflation Line
Brad JohnsonJuly 1, 2022
In recent years, Republican legislators have placed more scrutiny on the spending practices of localities.
HomeTagLocal Governments | The Texan
Civil SocietyJudicialLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingCity of Magnolia Agrees to Charge Churches, Businesses Equally for Water
Isaiah MitchellDecember 16, 2021
The city had been locked in litigation with three churches over a utility rate system that charges nonprofits more than businesses for water.
Local NewsTaxes & SpendingBill to Curtail Non-Voter-Approved Local Spending Approved by Texas House, Eight Counties Exempted by Members
Brad JohnsonMay 5, 2021
The bill that was once an across-the-board restriction on localities' use of non-voter-approved spending became substantially neutered on the House floor after amendments.
Elections 2020Texas Mayors, Municipal Officials’ Terms Extended to November After May Election Postponed
Brad JohnsonMay 4, 2020
The May municipal elections were postponed to November by Governor Abbott, resulting in the extension of the terms of local officials up for re-election.
IssuesTaxes & SpendingRecent Local Tax Shortfalls Point Toward Declines in Revenue Across the State
Bill PeacockApril 30, 2020
Though the longterm revenue effects of coronavirus on Texas are still coming into focus, local municipalities have begun to feel the repercussions.
FederalHealthcareIssuesStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingLocal Governments in Texas to Receive Over $60 Million for Coronavirus Preparations and Response
Daniel FriendApril 15, 2020
As part of the $2 trillion CARES Act, local governments in Texas will be eligible to receive part of a $37.8 million through the state or $24.6 million directly from the federal government.
Local NewsEast to West: How Shelter-In-Place Orders Have Impacted Austin [PHOTOS]
Ben BillupsApril 6, 2020
Austin was among the first cities in Texas to issue shelter-in-place ordinances to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Here is a collection of photos documenting the impact on the city.
86th LegislatureLocal NewsStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingTexas Local Governments Increase Debt to $365 Billion in 2019
Brad JohnsonDecember 9, 2019
After the reforms of the 86th Legislature, local entities have increased their collective debt by $11 billion from the last fiscal year.