What has happened to Houston?

[Thoreau424]

Originally Posted by AliefNorth

Well I might say trucks have increased in the last 3-4 years, I got my license when I was 18 that’s almost 8 years ago now and I don’t really remember seeing as many trucks (18 wheelers and construction) on their road compared to the time I first began driving (2011-2012).

Besides the obvious popularity, trucks tend to be signals of work and progress. It's not like a city of posh BMWs driving around, though we have those too. It's a reflection of people building and constructing, even if sometimes they are only for occasional use as such.

Some cities are quite the opposite, and rather lame. Go to other states and cities where you don't see as many trucks. You'll tend to find an attitude of hesitancy and borderline laziness in rolling up the sleeves and solving matters. The work-hard, play-hard ethic is missing, and their economies reflect the loss.

[NoClueWho]

I think a large part of Houston's problem in regards to trash, cleanliness, and repair is that it's just too BIG of a city for city services to keep up with everything quickly enough. 600-something square miles is just crazy for one city. And while the millions of people who live in the area AND the fact that's a very blue collar and industrial city, you basically get the list of things you complained about, OP.

[Spade]

Originally Posted by Julio July

I think a large part of Houston's problem in regards to trash, cleanliness, and repair is that it's just too BIG of a city for city services to keep up with everything quickly enough. 600-something square miles is just crazy for one city. And while the millions of people who live in the area AND the fact that's a very blue collar and industrial city, you basically get the list of things you complained about, OP.

And that's a major part of the issue. No way could they ever timely address most parts of the city. 600 wouldn't be to big if the vast majority of it was cohesive. But it's not and it is hardly surprising. To be true. 100-200 sq miles is just right for a city. LA is an outlier in this. But there is a reason why most major cities aren't over 400 sq miles.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by Julio July

I think a large part of Houston's problem in regards to trash, cleanliness, and repair is that it's just too BIG of a city for city services to keep up with everything quickly enough. 600-something square miles is just crazy for one city. And while the millions of people who live in the area AND the fact that's a very blue collar and industrial city, you basically get the list of things you complained about, OP.

It does trash and cleanliness better than most large cities.

As for repair, it did that pretty poorly before Mayor Whitmire and pretty good from Whitmire until Mayor Parker. And Whitmire did pretty well in an economic downturn. Parker did a lousy job. Remains to be seen with Turner.