The Texas governor's comments came amid controversial changes to Austin's ordinances, which many said criminalized homelessness. While San Antonio officials say they've reduced the visibility of people experiencing homelessness downtown, their overall numbers remain stagnant.

Property tax reform and a ban on red-light cameras are among bills that will hit city budgets. Local officials across the state are trying to calculate just how much money they'll forgo as the laws take effect.

Although the view on the streets might tell a different story, Houston decreased its homeless population by 54% since 2011, according to an annual census. In Dallas, the trend is the opposite — and housing affordability might make the problem even worse.

Although the president delayed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation targeting families with deportation orders, anxiety remains among the undocumented community of Houston.