Is “Cow Town” the New Darling of Texas? | Texas Political Spotlight

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2025 is right around the corner and in the past year, Fort Worth has officially surpassed Austin as Texas’ fourth-largest city, driven by its booming job market and affordable living. Meanwhile, Texas continues to solidify its role as the world’s energy capital, with record-breaking production and a diversified energy approach, from wind and solar to nuclear.

Today’s Insights:

• Is “Cow Town” the New Darling of Texas?
• Texas Aims to Continue Being a World Energy Leader
• Don’t Forget: Safety Inspections Going Away January 1st

Is “Cow Town” the New Darling of Texas?

Fort Worth has officially surpassed Austin to become the fourth-largest city in Texas, according to the Texas Demographic Center’s 2023 Population Estimates Report. As of January 2024, Fort Worth’s population reached 989,878, reflecting a robust 7.7% growth since the 2020 Census, while Austin’s slower growth of 2.6% brought its population to 986,928. This marks a shift in Texas’ urban hierarchy, with Fort Worth’s affordability, thriving job market, and community vibe fueling its rise. Meanwhile, Austin is facing challenges, including higher housing costs and an increase in residents moving out, as highlighted by PODS’ moving trends report. While Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas maintain their rankings as the top three cities, Fort Worth’s ascent underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Texas cities. Whether Austin reclaims its spot or Fort Worth solidifies its position, Texas’ growth story continues to unfold.

Texas Aims to Continue Being a World Energy Leader

This year, Texas has reinforced its status as the world’s energy capital through significant advancements in its energy sector and grid capacity. This past week, Governor Abbott made formal statements highlighting the state’s leadership in wind and utility-scale solar power, while emphasizing the importance of fossil fuels as the backbone of Texas' energy grid. Efforts to expand nuclear energy capabilities were also prioritized in his comments, positioning Texas as a key player in the nuclear energy supply chain. The Texas Energy Fund, launched with up to $10 billion in loans and grants, aimed at supporting the development of new power sources to meet the state’s growing energy demands. In 2024, Texas achieved record-breaking production in crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, emphasizing the strength of its energy industry. Governor Abbott celebrated the dedication of energy workers while committing to ensuring affordable, reliable power for Texans as the state experiences rapid growth. Additionally, he pledged to defend the energy sector from federal overreach, maintaining its critical role in Texas' economy and infrastructure.

Don’t Forget: Safety Inspections Going Away January 1st

Starting January 1, 2024, most Texas drivers will no longer need annual vehicle safety inspections, thanks to the passage of House Bill 3297, which eliminates the requirement for noncommercial vehicles while retaining the $7.50 inspection fee, now rebranded as an "inspection program replacement fee," payable during vehicle registration. Despite this change, annual emissions tests will still be mandatory in 17 counties. Proponents of the bill argued that inspections were time-consuming and inconvenient while critics warned of increased risks to road safety. Studies by the American Consumer institute Center for Citizen Research have shown that safety inspections have likely become irrelevant, with data showing that this legislative action previously taken in other states has not led to an increase in motor vehicle crashes. This change will not affect commercial vehicles, they will continue to have required annual safety inspections.

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