Building a more affordable Texas

January 10, 2016

Kathleen Hunker

This report discusses why Texas cities should reassess their current building codes to identify which restrictions are truly essential and which place idiosyncratic preferences above the public’s basic need for safe and adequate accommodations.

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Womb & Board

Rising housing costs are delaying marriage and childbearing by preventing young adults from forming independent households, thereby making housing affordability a central driver of declining family formation and demographic stability. Key points: Housing affordability directly shapes whether young adults can form independent households, influencing marriage, fertility, and long-term family stability. Rising housing costs and limited...

April 2, 2026

Local Government

Examining Local Government Spending Trends From 2014 to 2023

City and county spending has outpaced growth in population and inflation, leading to an increase in the tax burden on Texan taxpayers. Key points: Local government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. From 2014 to 2023, local government spending rose by 61.2%, whereas population and inflation increased by only 42.7%. Elevated...

March 6, 2026

Election Integrity

Consolidating Elections to Increase Turnout and Save Taxpayer Dollars

Uniform election dates produce four main benefits: 1) higher voter turnout, 2) election administration cost savings, 3) decreased likelihood of special interests dominating a low-turnout election, and 4) reduced election worker burnout. Key points: Seven states require municipal elections to be consolidated with even-year federal election dates. This increases turnout and saves $29.5-129 million for...

March 20, 2026

Kathleen Hunker

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Womb & Board

Examining Local Government Spending Trends From 2014 to 2023

Consolidating Elections to Increase Turnout and Save Taxpayer Dollars