ZacCast

In this episode, Patrick and Chad discuss the latest twists in SB 10 and what a proposed 1% property tax cap could mean for Texas cities. They break down how appraisal methods are quietly shifting more of the tax burden onto homeowners, why the Legislature’s “populist” fixes may actually worsen the problem, and what cities can do to prepare. From the looming pressure to fee out basic services, to the long-term need for more housing supply, they explore the fiscal tradeoffs facing local governments—and why telling a clearer story to residents and legislators is key to surviving the next round of reform.
Timeline
00:00 - Summer Reflections and Family Adventures
06:15 - Legislative Updates: SB 10 and Property Tax Changes
12:53 - Navigating Local Government Challenges
18:13 - The Burden Shift: Residential vs. Commercial Property Taxes
25:32 - The Future of Housing and Urban Development
34:31 - Impact of Prop 13 on California's Housing Market
40:39 - Understanding Tax Burden and Housing Development
41:09 - It's College Football Season, Baby!

In this episode, Chad and Patrick discuss innovations in local government presented at the AFI conference last week, and check in on the Texas Legislature as the session is kicking into high gear.
Timestamps
00:00 Legislative Updates and AFI Innovations
11:05 The Voucher Debate in Texas Politics
21:02 Local Government Legislation and Its Implications
32:19 Impact of Corporations on Local Economies
34:04 Legislative Challenges and Political Interests
36:11 Property Tax Legislation and Its Implications
40:10 AI in Economic Development: Innovations and Applications
54:38 Building Secure AI Models for Confidential Data

In this episode, Chad and Patrick discuss the current state of the economy, focusing on market uncertainty and the challenges faced by city managers in forecasting sales tax revenues. They explore the importance of data-driven decision-making and the use of leading indicators to understand consumer behavior. The conversation reflects on past economic crises and emphasizes the need for caution in navigating current economic challenges, advocating for a measured approach to decision-making during uncertain times.
00:00 - Market Uncertainty and Economic Indicators
07:28 - Forecasting Sales Tax in Uncertain Times
16:38 - Probabilistic Approaches to Budgeting
23:39 - Leveraging Data Science for Economic Predictions
25:02 - Analyzing Consumer Sentiment and Sales Tax Predictions
30:15 - Historical Context: Lessons from Past Economic Downturns
33:35 - Navigating Current Economic Uncertainty
38:18 - Making Informed Decisions in Times of Crisis
41:37 - Finding Balance: Optimism vs. Pessimism in City Management

In this episode, Chad and Patrick highlight 5 bills pending in the Texas House. What are they, and what might they mean for local governments across the state? Join us to find out!
Timestamps
00:00 Greetings
07:13 On to the legislative session
14:23 HB 250
16:33 HB 416
30:18 HB 217
37:18 HB 1433
52:21 HB 924
56:21 School funding and wrap-up

In this first episode of 2025, Pat and Chad hit a wide range of topics and do our best to avoid derailing the conversation with too much college football.
Timestamps
04:25 - TPPF Property Tax Proposals
29:51 - TPPF on "Home Sharing"
40:16 - Congestion pricing in New York City
54:12 - Texas AG sues Allstate
67:48 - Comptroller's Biennial Revenue Estimate for 2025-26
Links
Asterisk (Merriam-Webster)
15 Ways to Improve the M&O Property Tax (TPPF)
Defending Home-Sharing is About Protecting Basic Freedoms (TPPF)
Paxton files suit against Allstate, alleges company secretly collected driver's data to raise rates (Houston Chronicle)
Biennial Revenue Estimate for 2025-26 (Texas Comptroller)