Electric Competition

February 21, 2007

This brief provides the facts and recommendations on the current state of electric competition in Texas and how competition is working to the consumer's advantage.

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Don’t Fence Me In: Tourism’s Role in Rural Economic Development

Editor’s Note: This is the latest part of a series on rural Texas and the challenges that rural Texans face. Over the next year, the Associated News Service will delve into the issues facing the Lone Star State’s 177 (out of 254) rural counties. AMARILLO—If you want to fall in love all over again with...

August 20, 2026

Local Government

Texas Gave Cities a Tool for More Housing Affordability. Some Are Throwing It Away.

Housing affordability is one of the Lone Star State’s – and greater Houston’s – most pressing challenges. Recent estimates suggest Texas’ statewide housing shortage exceeds 300,000 homes, applying upward pressure on rents and prices in ways that squeeze working households, young families, and seniors looking to downsize. The gap is especially severe for first-time homebuyers,...

August 7, 2026

Property Rights

Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.

Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...

August 27, 2026

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Don’t Fence Me In: Tourism’s Role in Rural Economic Development

Texas Gave Cities a Tool for More Housing Affordability. Some Are Throwing It Away.

Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.