Education spending, the single largest financial obligation of state and local governments throughout the United States, is on a decline. The reduced funding is related to decreasing local tax revenues and state and federal funding cuts. The result is alarming and surely it’s time to look for new ways to resolve the problem. Most taxpayers […]
A new executive category has become somewhat common in government – a Director of Innovation. Individuals hired to these positions are charged with finding new and innovative ways to fund projects, provide services or create large-scale efficiencies. Some have made great strides and taxpayers are beneficiaries. Because of this, there may be much more thought […]
Many Texas communities and public officials participated in a nationwide Stand Up 4 Transportation Rally recently. The objective was to get the attention of Congress. A May 31 deadline is looming and Congress must address the current stop-gap surface transportation bill or it will become insolvent. That would be a disaster because the Highway Trust […]
Like a number of other states, Texas is in the middle of a contentious legislative session. Legislators, on the downhill side of a 140-day session, have filed more than 6,300 bills and joint resolutions and tempers flare daily as disagreement seems the norm. Lawmakers are now making difficult and controversial decisions related to education, campus […]
What do Silicon Valley, Austin, Boston and New York City have in common? They all provide “entrepreneurial ecosystems” for high-tech startup firms. Good for them!! These organizations hold tremendous potential for economic prosperity – both regionally and nationwide. In a technology ecosystem, individuals, organizations, investors, companies, mentors and governments all partner to stimulate and nurture […]
Who could have predicted a few years ago that something called a “drone” would have a projected economic impact of $10 billion? Most people had never heard of drones until they became so prevalent in recent years. Drones are now a force to be reckoned with and they are controversial to say the least. The […]
One of the largest school districts in Texas may make an interesting move. The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is exploring a unique funding option that, if successful, would allow the district to address issues related to a rapidly growing student population, aging facilities and expansion of the district’s academic programs. Dealing with declining revenues, […]