This is a special podcast series on current economic and culture issues faced by the state of Texas, its governments and its citizens. We will explore these issues with author Loren Steffy, through the prism of his book The Big Empty. The Big Empty set in 1999, is a tale about the sense of place and tells the story of a fictional company AzTech which builds a semi-conductor plant in the dying west Texas city of Conquistador. The attempt is beset by the clash of culture in bringing Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs to rural Texas. The book also raises multiple economic issues facing Texas as we move towards the mid 21st century. Over this 5-part podcast series we will consider the following issues facing Texas today; including water, power, land investment, housing and the clash of cultures.
In Episode 3, we consider land and development. How was the town of Conquistador able to get AzTech to build a semi-conductor plant in their hometown. What are the laws in Texas which allow communities to cut taxes for new development and how are those laws employed? How do Chapter 313 incentives work? Who makes up the school district tax revenue shortfall? What is the resort effective and how does that impact local property values? How will Texas compete with other states for development going forward. For Texas to continue to grow it will have to entice companies to Texas but will it continue to do so based upon the pocketbooks of its citizens?
Purchase The Big Empty
