Houston city leaders vote against raising property tax rate despite unclear plan for ballooning deficit
At the urging of Mayor John Whitmire, the city council voted to not increase property taxes. The move comes as the city faces a $128 million deficit, projected to increase to more than $220 million next year.
Exclusive: How much money does Hilton Americas-Houston make?
Houston Public Media has an exclusive look at the fee structure paid to Hilton, the operator of the downtown hotel, by the city’s Houston First Corporation, the owner of the building. Hotel workers have been on strike since Sept. 1 as they seek higher wages.
At the peak of hurricane season, Houston city finances face resiliency challenges
Among the financial vulnerabilities identified by City Controller Chris Hollins' office: chronic budget deficits, voter-approved and state-imposed limits of property tax revenue, fluctuations in sales tax revenue and a lackluster approach to maintaining the city’s rainy day fund.
Houston clubs, dance halls must post dress code before enforcing rules
The measure was delayed by one week over concerns from the Greater Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association.
Houston City Controller Chris Hollins outlines ‘hard truths’ about mayor’s proposed budget
On Wednesday, the city council will take up the budget for fiscal year 2026, which must be certified by the controller before taking effect. Hollins has repeatedly clashed with Mayor John Whitmire.
In major win for Mayor Whitmire, judge approves drainage settlement saving Houston $180 million over next year
Earlier this week, the City of Houston urged a court to make a decision quickly regarding a proposed agreement with the plaintiffs in a 2019 lawsuit over the city’s spending on street and drainage projects. Some Houston residents and a nonprofit advocacy group asked the court to reject the settlement.
City controller raises ‘serious’ concerns about Houston budget without court ruling on drainage settlement
An agreement between Mayor John Whitmire's administration and the plaintiffs in a 2019 lawsuit against the city would save the city $84 million in fiscal year 2026.
As Houston Health Department loses $42 million, federal funding cuts loom large for city housing department
The health department draws a majority of its funding from the federal government, according to City Controller Chris Hollins, while the Housing and Community Development Department relies on federal funding for 99% of its budget.
Houston mayor, controller clash on OT spending as police, fire and solid waste go $72 million over budget
As the City of Houston faces a more than $330 million budget deficit, the fire, police and solid waste departments’ projected overtime spending is more than double what was budgeted from its general fund. Mayor John Whitmire’s administration says the controller’s analysis doesn’t show the full picture.
Sylvester Turner Avenue? Houston controller proposes renaming Bagby Street after late former mayor
City Controller Chris Hollins wants to rename a portion of the downtown thoroughfare after late Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. He also supports the naming of a terminal in the Bush Intercontinental Airport after Turner’s predecessor in Congress, the late Sheila Jackson Lee.
Houston Public Media