Housing costs in Houston are more affordable than the national rate, and due to population growth, the demand is greater, according to an economic report by the Greater Houston Partnership.

During its Midyear Economic Update on Aug. 5, GHP Director of Economic Research Chris Baker presented the organization’s findings on housing trends in the past 12 months in Houston.

Breaking it down: Houston’s overall inflation is about 0.8% compared to the United States’ 4%, which Baker said ties to housing.

“Locally here, we're a bit more insulated from overall price changes,” Baker said. “Housing continues to get more expensive around the rest of the country, but as of the most recent reading, we have essentially flat year-over-year housing-related price increases in Houston, which is helping to keep Houston more affordable than many other metros.”

Holly Heard, senior vice president of research at GHP, said most of the growth has been pushed into the suburbs. She said immigration has been a big factor in metro population growth, though it has slowed due to federal policies.

A pet cremation services center will open in Houston this year.

What is it: Resting Rainbow offers private cremations and viewing services.

Upon request, pet owners may be present during the cremation process. They also offer transportation services to pick up the pet from home or a veterinary hospital. It also offers tracking software to keep track of each pet from pickup to delivery of services. They also offer euthanasia services.

What else: According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Resting Rainbows will open on TC Jester Boulevard.

The 3,993-square-foot location is undergoing renovations that are estimated to cost $320,000. Renovation is expected to be completed by Oct. 21.

• 330 TC Jester Blvd., Houston

Chef Evelyn Garcia’s journey to becoming one of Houston's most celebrated culinary talents began long before she stepped into a professional kitchen. Raised in a Mexican and Salvadoran household where home-cooked meals were a daily expression of love and culture, she developed a deep appreciation for food at an early age.

After years of dedication, her rise culminated in 2026 when she was honored with the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas alongside her business partner, chef Henry Lu.

Staying local: Established as one of Houston's most exciting dining experiences, Garcia said that since the James Beard Award was announced, the restaurant grew in popularity overnight. Although the award was not her end goal, Garcia said the award certainly reaffirmed her of her chosen path.

Quote of note: “I'm Mexican Salvadorian. Henry is first-generation Chinese, so Houston is great with this mixture and blend of flavors, and this is why we think JŪN couldn't have been open in any other place other than Houston,” Garcia said.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from Aug. 3-7.

1. League City seeks to acquire Walter Hall Park from Galveston County

2. Pearland taco spot to close in August

3. What you need to know for back to school in Fort Bend ISD

4. Bakeries, breads, brand new tastes: Arôme’s traditional French galettes coming to Houston

5. Houston ISD students to begin 2026-27 school year Aug. 10

6. Tacodeli opens 3rd Greater Houston location in Katy

Harris County is facing the task of balancing a $178 million shortfall going into fiscal year 2026-27—amid several requests that would require millions more in funding.

The big picture: According to the latest update from the county’s office of budget management, Harris County is facing a $178 million shortfall in the FY 2026-27 budget. Daniel Ramos, executive director of the Harris County Office of Management and Budget, said the county has faced a roughly $150 million shortfall annually in recent years.

The discussion: Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis expressed heavy concern regarding how the county would ultimately address the shortfall, which has become a repetitive issue.

“When I was a banker, if you have a shortfall five years in a row, ... that's a structural deficit,” Ellis said.
”We’re about out of smoke and mirrors.”

Another thing: Commissioners also authorized raises for all eight elected constables, the district attorney, county attorney, district clerk, county clerk and tax assessor-collector which brought all positions to the same salary of $305,000 annually.

Within the next year, Texans will likely see changes to when they can vote early in elections, including expanded weekend voting hours.

The overview: Last year, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2753, which shifts Texas’ early voting window closer to election day, cutting out a three-day gap between the two voting periods and adding more Saturday and Sunday voting.

While the changes did not take effect immediately and were designed to help boost voter turnout, local election administrators said the law will also significantly raise costs for municipalities and delay the release of election results.

Election officials said the current three-day break allows staff to set up polling places for election day and prepare submitted ballots so results from early and mail-in voting can be released quickly after the polls close on election night.

The impact: Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth estimated that the shift would raise the cost of administering a large election by 30% and increase costs for smaller elections by 9%, due to personnel, equipment and voter education needs.