ZacCast

In this episode of ZacCast, Patrick and Chad nerd out on data quality issues before discussing barriers to entrepreneurship at both the national and local policy levels. Are cities unintentionally biasing toward large, national businesses over more resilient local ownership? Only one way to find out...

In this episode, Chad and Patrick explore the recent legal victory of Chuck Morone of Strong Towns, the importance of free speech for professionals, and the complexities of local government finance and policy. They discuss how these issues impact city management, infrastructure, and community engagement.00:48 Chuck Morone's legal case and victory03:22 The importance of free speech for professionals12:14 Property tax calculations and the 'no new revenue' rate21:30 Potential of land value tax as a reform30:46 Community engagement in city budgeting40:29 The importance of transparency and accountability

On this episode... WE'RE BACK!After almost a year, we're back and better than ever. 00:19 Return of ZacCast05:20 The Impact of AI on Business Operations29:39 AI in Local Government: Challenges and Opportunities32:57 Navigating Data Center Regulations37:45 The Impact of AI on Urban Infrastructure46:58 Automation and the Delivery Experience54:34 The Future of Personalization in ServicesAI for Cities (ZacTax blog)What is a Context Window (ZacTax blog)

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.Timeline00:00 - Summer Reflections and Family Adventures06:15 - Legislative Updates: SB 10 and Property Tax Changes12:53 - Navigating Local Government Challenges18:13 - The Burden Shift: Residential vs. Commercial Property Taxes25:32 - The Future of Housing and Urban Development34:31 - Impact of Prop 13 on California's Housing Market40:39 - Understanding Tax Burden and Housing Development41:09 - 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. Timestamps00:00 Legislative Updates and AFI Innovations11:05 The Voucher Debate in Texas Politics21:02 Local Government Legislation and Its Implications32:19 Impact of Corporations on Local Economies34:04 Legislative Challenges and Political Interests36:11 Property Tax Legislation and Its Implications40:10 AI in Economic Development: Innovations and Applications54:38 Building Secure AI Models for Confidential Data