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Joshua Fechter is the Dallas-based urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, covering policy — including housing affordability, housing and property taxes, evictions, policing and transportation — and politics in Texas' major metropolitan areas. Before joining the Tribune in August 2021, Joshua covered City Hall for the San Antonio Express-News. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
The Democrats’ recently approved platform includes calls to loosen zoning rules, which housing experts believe contribute to high housing costs. Full Story
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City leaders and advocates hope reducing the size of lots used to build homes will increase housing supply. Full Story
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The Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether he’ll be reelected. Full Story
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In the state’s larger counties, voters can now elect people to the agencies that appraise property values. Full Story
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Texas has spent billions of dollars to drive down property taxes. Many homeowners saw a significant tax cut last year, per a Texas Tribune analysis. Full Story
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Hidalgo’s staffers were indicted on felony charges related to how they allegedly helped award an $11 million contract to a political consulting firm headed by a Democratic strategist. Full Story
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging the program, saying it violates the Texas Constitution. Full Story
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Examining charitable bail organizations and banning Delta 9 were also among Patrick’s priorities in the next legislative session. Full Story
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The program would give roughly 1,900 households payments of $500 for 18 months with no strings attached. Paxton called it “plainly unconstitutional.” Full Story
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Republican lawmakers may try to force Texas cities to allow greater housing density as the state faces a housing crunch. Full Story
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