The developers of a proposed high-speed train between the Houston and Dallas regions say they have identified an aging mall northwest of downtown Houston as the ideal spot for a station.
Brandon Formby
Brandon Formby works with The Texas Tribune’s beat editors and reporters to bring Texans the news, analysis and explanatory journalism they need to put pressing issues into perspective. Previously, as an editor on the news desk, he helped steer coverage of legislative sessions, natural disasters, prolonged power outages, mass shootings and the coronavirus pandemic. As a reporter, he covered urban affairs. Before joining the Tribune in 2016, he reported on transportation, politics and local government for The Dallas Morning News. Brandon grew up in Plano and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech University. He is based in Austin.
Posted in
State Government
Texas Transportation Commission member Victor Vandergriff reportedly stepping down
After Tryon Lewis said on Thursday that he’s leaving the five-person board that oversees the Texas Department of Transportation, a Dallas magazine reported Friday that Victor Vandergriff is also planning to leave the commission.
Posted in
Texas Elections 2018
Going further than prior proposals, Abbott unveils a plan to slow Texas property tax growth
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday unveiled a plan to limit annual local governments’ property tax revenue growth to 2.5 percent. To increase revenue beyond that, governments would need approval from two-thirds of voters.
Posted in
2017 Year in Review
In Texas’ urban areas, leaders wrestled property taxes and pension woes
As city officials sought help overhauling pension funds and fought off lawmakers’ attempts to legislate local matters, urban Texans continued having trouble finding affordable places to live.
Posted inState Government
Texas’ rural roots and urban future are on a high-speed collision course
Will a years-in-the-making Texas bullet train be derailed? In our three-part series in partnership with The Dallas Morning News, we explored the obstacles facing a private firm’s plans to build America’s first high-speed rail line.
Posted in
2017 Year in Review
Amid Texas transportation battles, toll lanes scrapped while bullet train survived
Texans successfully fought back against tolled highway projects in 2017. Meanwhile, motorists are now forbidden to text while driving and ride-hailing companies emerged from the legislative session with a major victory.
Posted in
Transportation
Some Texans dodge bullet train, others are square in its path
Federal officials identified the likely route a planned Dallas-Houston bullet train will take through rural counties as it connects the state’s two largest urban areas.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
How much damage did Harvey do to Texas homes? There may never be an exact answer.
As state officials vie for limited federal disaster dollars, housing advocates fear Texans with destroyed homes may fall through a patchwork of government agencies.
Posted in
Politics
Amid blowback over accounting maneuver, TxDOT drops financing idea for several toll projects
Late Thursday, transportation officials released a statement saying they were dropping several toll projects from long-term plans due to public response.
Posted in
Politics
TxDOT eyeing accounting trick to get around toll road prohibition
A state lawmaker has asked the attorney general to weigh in on whether the state’s transportation agency can use voter-approved funds to rebuild or expand highways that will also include toll lanes alongside them.
