36: Houston’s Looming Budget Crisis

The City of Houston’s budget is at a tipping point. For five consecutive years, the city outspent its revenues by $100-$200 million each year. With stop-gap options drying up, city officials must plot out a more sustainable plan for the longer term. How did Houston find itself in this budgetary bind, and where must city officials go from here? 

Discussants:

• Edward M. Emmett, Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy, Baker Institute
• Dr. John Diamond, Edward A. & Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance, Baker Institute

This conversation was recorded on November 29, 2023.

The associated report, “State of the City’s Finances – A Deep Dive into the Fiscal Issues Facing the City”, was published on November 3, 2023 by Dr. John W. Diamond and the Greater Houston Partnership.