This is a special podcast series on current economic and cultural 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 semiconductor plant in the dying west Texas city of Conquistador. The attempt is beset by the clash of cultures in bringing Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs to rural Texas. The book also raises multiple economic issues facing Texas as we move toward the mid-21st century. Over this 5-part podcast series, we will consider the following issues facing Texas today: water, power, land investment, housing, and the clash of cultures.

In Episode 5, we look at the issue of housing in Texas. In the book, the newcomers build a gated community with a huge fountain at the entrance. There is a private golf course attached to the gated community. What happens to small towns when a large manufacturing plant moves in? What happens to the property values? Where can local teachers, firefighters, and police live? What happens when incoming plant workers have to live in other towns? What is affordable housing? What is achievable housing? Do you want long or even short-term rentals to propagate in your small town? These and other affordable living issues are front in center in Texas today.

Purchase The Big Empty