The official podcast for local government nerds, from the folks behind ZacTax. We talk about everything from sales tax to city management to college sports, and bring you stories from the front lines of local government administration.
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On this episode... WE'RE BACK! After almost a year, we're back and better than ever. 00:19 Return of ZacCast 05:20 The Impact of AI on Business Operations 29:39 AI in Local Government: Challenges and Opportunities 32:57 Navigating Data Center Regulations 37:45 The Impact of AI on Urban Infrastructure 46:58 Automation and the Delivery Experience 54:34 The Future of Personalization in Services AI…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
In this (probably) final episode of 2024, Pat has a couple of water related articles to discuss. Join us as we talk about how groundwater use is affecting the earth's axis; how bottled water may be way less healthy than tap water; and of course, as we recap the return of Texas vs A&M after 13 long years. 00:00 - Welcome back... 01:37 - Patrick makes excuses for A&M's performance against Texas…
This week's episode centers on a Texas Monthly piece titled "Why does Texas have so little public land?" Pat and Chad talk about the article and discuss whether cities can improve their development patterns and fiscal health by emphasizing the acquisition of more public space. Topics 00:52 - Why does Texas have so little public land? 04:28 - Patrick proposes using public land acquisition to combat…
On this epic episode, we welcome Chuck Marohn, founder and president of Strong Towns. Chuck's bestselling new book, Escaping the Housing Trap, kicks off the conversation, which winds its way through a variety of important issues facing cities today. Topics 02:33 - What is the housing trap? 04:05 - Pre-Depression era housing finance 08:00 - Government response to Depression vs the 2008 Housing…
On this somewhat feisty episode of ZacCast, Patrick and Chad discuss the built-in assumptions behind our development patterns, compare development in DFW and Houston, talk traffic planning, and talk about the problems with the electricity rate-making process in Texas. Stay tuned for a semi-lighting round at the end. 03:58 - Do we have some built-in assumptions about how cities grow? 21:39 - DFW vs…
