Harris and Dallas counties have streamlined their pre-trial juvenile detention policies, resulting in decreased re-offense and absconding rates, all while saving millions. This paper provides strategies for other Texas counties to replicate their successes.
Local Government
Tracking Local Government Debt in Texas: 2016 – 2025
Local governments in Texas have accumulated excessive public debt. Strict reforms are necessary to restore fiscal discipline. Key points: In fiscal year 2025, local government borrowing reached nearly $561 billion in combined principal and interest, which is $17,706 in debt per capita. From 2016 to 2025, total local debt rose from $331.8 billion to $561...
November 9, 2026