Tell us how the rise in everyday costs like housing, healthcare and groceries has affected you.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
Texas cities say Abbott’s proposal to disband their electric companies won’t lower costs
On the campaign trail, the governor said dismantling city-owned utilities will save customers money by introducing competition.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
1 in 5 Texans experience food insecurity as food banks struggle to keep up with demand
More Texans have become food insecure due to a rise in natural disasters and less qualifying for SNAP benefits. Rural food banks in particular face additional pressures.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
With voters squeezed by high costs, Texas candidates race to claim affordability mantle
If not carefully vetted, candidates’ proposals to lower costs could exacerbate future affordability issues, experts say.
Posted in
Economy
SpaceX to fund up to $220M in Brownsville water projects in exchange for land
The city agreed to deannex roughly 445 acres near the Port of Brownsville at SpaceX’s request in exchange for funding for water and wastewater projects.
Posted in
Economy
Brownsville faces rising home values after the arrival of large employers like SpaceX, Saronic
SpaceX and other large employers have brought a surge of new wealthy homebuyers in the region. As home values grow, Brownsville officials plan for future housing.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
After years of hardship, Texas agriculture faces a new threat: data centers
Data centers and agriculture depend on many of the same resources, such as water, land and electricity, which has some in the industry worried about the future.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Austin races to regulate AI data centers before they strain city’s water and power
Austin is considering new regulations for massive AI data centers amid growing concerns over their significant water and energy demands.
Posted in
State Government
A new Texas law declaws neighborhood groups that oppose housing projects
Lawmakers gutted an old state law that required a city council supermajority to approve a new housing development if neighbors petitioned the proposal.
Posted in
Energy
Industry warns of blackouts, economic woes if Texas overreacts to data center, transmission line anger
Energy regulators and industry experts warn that the state’s delays to major projects amid backlash from residents could create rolling blackouts and strangle growth of other industries that need power.
