Texas Talks

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Marc Levin, Chief Policy Counsel at the Council on Criminal Justice, for a wide-ranging conversation about where criminal justice reform stands in Texas today — and what lawmakers should be focused on next.

Levin reflects on his long history in Texas criminal justice policy, from the 2007 reforms that helped the state avoid building thousands of new prison beds to the current push for a smarter, more data-driven justice system. He explains why public safety remains the core mission of government, but argues that Texas works best when policy is guided by proportionality, fairness, accountability, and evidence about what actually reduces crime and recidivism.

The conversation explores recent reforms from the 89th Texas Legislature, including expanded pretrial funding, parole process changes through the Sunset review of TDCJ, and the constitutional amendment updating bail rules. Levin also discusses why plea bargaining deserves more scrutiny, how better data could help policymakers compare sentences and outcomes across counties, and why transparency matters if Texas wants to know whether its justice system is truly working.

The discussion also covers:

• The importance of pretrial services and front-loading treatment and support

• Geriatric parole and streamlining release decisions for low-risk elderly inmates

• Why Texas still needs better sentencing and recidivism data

• The debate over prison air conditioning and what “smart justice” should mean

• How AI can help solve crimes and inform decisions — without replacing human judgment

• Why veterans need better identification and support within the justice system

• Clean slate proposals for automatic record sealing of minor misdemeanors

• Fentanyl testing strips as a harm-reduction tool to save lives

• “Second look” sentencing for people who committed serious crimes as juveniles

• Why trust in the justice system may be just as important as recidivism rates

Levin makes the case that Texas has already shown it can lower both crime and incarceration at the same time — but only if lawmakers keep focusing on reforms that are practical, measurable, and rooted in outcomes rather than rhetoric.

00:00 — Introduction and Marc Levin joins the podcast

01:05 — Marc Levin’s background and Texas criminal justice reform history

03:38 — What a smarter justice system actually looks like

05:16 — The biggest reforms from the 89th Texas Legislature

06:45 — Pretrial services, treatment, and front-loaded support

08:29 — Plea bargains, coercion, and the “trial penalty”

10:47 — Why Texas needs better sentencing and justice system data

12:45 — TDCJ Sunset review and parole process changes

16:18 — Prison air conditioning and the debate over humane conditions

19:17 — Why solving more crimes matters more than harsher conditions

21:36 — How AI is changing criminal justice policy

24:24 — Risk assessments, facial recognition, and guardrails for AI

29:00 — Priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature

29:45 — Veterans justice reform and better reentry support

34:08 — Clean slate policy and sealing minor misdemeanor records

35:54 — Fentanyl testing strips and harm reduction

38:06 — Second look sentencing for juveniles

40:18 — Is recidivism the best metric for justice reform?

43:26 — Long-term Texas trends in crime, incarceration, and reform

45:13 — Final thoughts: data, trust, and what Texas should do next

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores how rapid population growth is reshaping the state — and what it will take to manage that growth successfully over the next decade.

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail is joined by Henry Cisneros, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former mayor of San Antonio, and A.J. Rodriguez, Executive Vice President at Texas 2036, for a deep dive into the rise of Texas “mega regions” — particularly the fast-growing Austin–San Antonio corridor.

With Texas now exceeding 31 million residents and continuing to grow rapidly, the conversation focuses on how interconnected metropolitan regions — including the broader Texas Triangle — are becoming the true drivers of economic growth, population expansion, and global competitiveness.

Cisneros and Rodriguez explain that Texas is no longer defined primarily by rural or energy-based economies, but by large, dynamic urban regions producing the majority of the state’s GDP. They argue that the key challenge ahead is not whether Texas will grow — but whether leaders can plan effectively to manage that growth.

The discussion also covers:

• The rise of the Austin–San Antonio mega region and the broader Texas Triangle

• Why regional collaboration — not city-by-city planning — is critical to future success

• Housing affordability challenges and the risks of underbuilding

• Water supply, infrastructure gaps, and long-term sustainability concerns

• Transportation bottlenecks, congestion, and the need for rail and mobility innovation

• Workforce development, education, and closing the postsecondary attainment gap

• Economic mobility, poverty challenges, and the importance of human capital investment

• Lessons from other global regions that failed — or succeeded — in managing growth

The conversation highlights a central theme: Texas is at a pivotal moment. With the right planning, coordination, and investment, it could become one of the most dynamic economic regions in the world — but failure to act could lead to congestion, affordability crises, and missed opportunity.

Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors.

00:00 — Introduction to Texas growth and the Future of Texas series

00:25 — Texas population growth and rise of mega regions

01:15 — Guests introduced: Henry Cisneros and A.J. Rodriguez

02:01 — Urbanization and the Texas Triangle explained

03:36 — Why Texas growth is inevitable — and what’s at stake

05:09 — Regionalism and planning for 2036 population growth

06:18 — Austin–San Antonio mega region and regional identity

08:14 — Economic power of Texas metro regions

09:44 — Texas as a global economic competitor

10:38 — Collaboration vs competition between cities

11:32 — Infrastructure challenges: transportation and congestion

16:11 — Water supply risks and long-term planning

18:43 — Housing affordability and supply challenges

22:08 — Economic mobility and poverty concerns

25:02 — Workforce development and education gaps

29:00 — Need for regional coordination and governance structures

32:04 — Rail, mobility innovation, and future transportation

37:00 — Role of state government and policy coordination

41:34 — Lessons from other regions that failed to plan

45:13 — Global competition and Texas’s economic potential

52:17 — Preparing the workforce for AI and future jobs

54:56 — What Texas must focus on before 2036

57:04 — Final vision: what Texas could become if done right

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores a critical question: how does Texas ensure its economic growth translates into real opportunity, mobility, and purpose for its people?

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail is joined by Roy Spence, co-founder and longtime chairman of GSD&M and founder of the Make It Movement and the Purpose Institute, along with Renzo Soto, Deputy Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Texas 2036, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of work in Texas.

The discussion focuses on skills, workforce readiness, career awareness, and how Texas can better connect students and workers to meaningful, high-opportunity careers. Soto explains how Texas is trying to align education and workforce systems earlier and more effectively, including through dual credit, career and technical education, outcomes-based funding, and better data connections between schools, colleges, and the labor market.

Spence argues that Texas does not just have a workforce challenge — it has a marketing challenge. He makes the case that young Texans and their families need clearer, more inspiring language around purpose, careers, and financial independence, and that the state must do a far better job of showing students the real opportunities available to them while they are still in school.

The conversation also explores:

• Why Texas is outperforming much of the country on enrollment and workforce growth

• The “90-60-30” challenge in postsecondary attainment

• How dual credit, CTE, and early career exploration can change student outcomes

• Why purpose matters just as much as paycheck

• How AI is reshaping work and why AI literacy matters for students and workers

• The importance of better education-to-workforce data

• Why Texas can lead the nation by helping more people “make it in Texas”

This is a big-picture conversation about how Texas can turn growth into real opportunity — not just for students entering the workforce, but for workers, families, and communities across the state.

00:00 — Introduction to the Future of Texas series and guest introductions

00:57 — Roy Spence on purpose, partnership, and marketing as a force for good

04:05 — Renzo Soto on why the future of work matters to Texas 2036

05:35 — The “90-60-30” challenge and postsecondary opportunity in Texas

07:18 — Why Texas is bucking national enrollment trends

11:10 — Roy Spence on purpose, talent, and not trying to be average

14:04 — The marketing problem: making Texans aware of career pathways

17:23 — Choice, purpose, and helping young people discover meaningful work

19:59 — Stress points in Texas: credentials, awareness, and workforce shortages

20:46 — Why better data is critical to workforce alignment

25:14 — AI, disruption, and preparing students for a changing economy

30:25 — How to make skilled careers exciting and purposeful

33:23 — What parents want and the case for financial independence

36:41 — Why early exploration and CTE opportunities matter

42:05 — What Texas is doing right on outcomes and accountability

48:49 — Rebranding pathways and measuring how many Texans are “making it”

57:22 — Final thoughts on success, purpose, and the Texas identity

Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Brad Swail welcomes Charles Blain—Houston Chronicle contributor, Manhattan Institute City Journal writer, Fox 26 panelist, author of the forthcoming The Brotherhood of Facts (Johns Hopkins Press, spring 2027), and founder of Local Insights. 

Charles shares how an accidental AI-assisted review of Houston Metro contract documents uncovered a $215k-to-$4.2M ballooning deal tied to board chair conflicts—ultimately leading to cancellation after public pushback. He explains how Local Insights aggregates Texas local government data (budgets, bonds, agendas, campaign finance, property records, business ownerships, jail stats, court filings) into searchable dashboards, cross-references, trend alerts, and interrogatable interfaces—empowering everyday citizens, journalists, and activists to hold officials accountable without needing newsroom resources. 

They discuss AI’s role in leveling the civic playing field: parsing dense agendas, flagging anomalies, aiding open records fights, and educating users on government mechanics (strong vs. weak mayor systems, charters, CAFRs vs. budgets). Charles critiques Trump-era talk of banning institutional homebuyers (mostly mom-and-pop investors, not mega-corps) and argues Texas should focus on permitting reform, standardized processes, property tax relief (e.g., incentives for first-time buyers near aging parents), and deeper transparency mandates to boost affordability. 

Essential for anyone tracking Texas local governance, transparency, housing policy, or AI in public accountability. Visit localinsights.ai (or follow @CJBlain10 on X) for more. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Texas Talks.

00:00:00 - Welcome to Texas Talks

00:00:06 - Guest Intro: Charles Blain – Writer, Commentator & Founder of Local Insights

00:00:51 - Meeting in Person After Years of Online Collaboration

00:01:36 - Charles’s Background: Houston Chronicle, City Journal, Fox 26, Forthcoming Book

00:02:19 - Origin of Local Insights: Accidental AI Use on Houston Metro Contract

00:03:45 - Metro Scandal Breakdown: $215k → $4.2M Contract & Board Chair Conflict

00:05:30 - How AI Flagged Issues & Led to Contract Cancellation

00:06:26 - Building Tools: From Templates to Civic Data Platform

00:07:23 - Hermann Park / Ben Taub Eminent Domain Dashboard Example

00:08:06 - Civic Engagement Mission: Leveling the Field for Citizens

00:09:35 - Who It’s For: Citizens, Journalists, Busy People Seeking Transparency

00:10:23 - Presentation to Water Board Directors & Early Demand

00:11:41 - Special Purpose Districts, Water Districts & Citizen Tools

00:12:51 - Full Platform: Every Texas Local Government Data (Budgets, Bonds, Agendas, Campaign Finance)

00:13:40 - Cross-Referencing: TDCJ, Campaign Finance, Property Records, Business Ownership

00:15:19 - Agenda Interrogation, Alerts & Jurisdiction Comparisons

00:17:11 - State-Level Data (Contracts, Legislative, Open Records)

00:18:13 - Public Information Act Tools: Collaboration, Filing Help & Trends

00:19:51 - Disappointing Need for This Tool + Future of Civic Transparency

00:21:22 - Educational Library: Government Basics (Strong/Weak Mayor, Charters, CAFRs)

00:22:51 - Property Taxes Confusion at Council Meetings & Clear Visuals

00:24:40 - Building Connections: Why Votes Happen, Potential Anomalies

00:26:34 - State Policy Ideas: Standardization, Deeper Transparency Mandates

00:27:35 - Jail Data, Court Filings & Missing Details Across Counties

00:29:02 - Personal Financial Statements & Persistent Denial Issues

00:30:31 - Who Uses It: Busy Citizens, Journalists, Activists

00:31:47 - Urgency: Local Accountability Drives Bigger Change

00:32:26 - Housing & Institutional Investors: Critique of Ban Proposals

00:33:47 - Mom-and-Pop vs. Mega Investors & Affordability Realities

00:35:21 - State Fixes: Property Tax Relief, First-Time Buyer Incentives

00:36:57 - Permitting Reform & Standardization as Key to Affordability

00:39:56 - AI in Permitting, Protests & Exemption Tracking

00:41:51 - Closing Thanks & Plugs: @CJBlain10 on Social

 

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Brad Swail sits down with Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and Mary Lynn Pruneda (Texas 2036 Director of Education & Workforce Policy) for a forward-looking conversation on the future of Texas public education. They discuss post-COVID recovery (literacy at all-time highs, math still climbing), the game-changing Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) shifting to performance-based pay and creating more six-figure teacher salaries, the role of timeless classics vs. accelerating technology (robots, AI, tablets), parental guidance on AI/ChatGPT risks, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) growth and school choice diversity, A-F accountability rigor increases, why leadership matters more than funding alone, extended learning time incentives, and the key metrics Texas 2036 is tracking—on-grade reading/math proficiency and career readiness—for Texas to thrive by its 2036 bicentennial. Perfect for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone tracking Texas schools. Visit texas2036.org for progress tracking. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for the Future of Texas series.

00:00:08 - Welcome & Series Intro: Future of Texas Education

00:00:33 - Guest Introductions: Commissioner Mike Morath & Mary Lynn Pruneda

00:01:07 - Why They're Optimistic About Texas Education's Future

00:03:01 - Where Texas Stands Today: Post-COVID Literacy & Math Recovery

00:05:03 - Biggest Reform to Celebrate: Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)

00:06:31 - How TIA Works: Merit Pay, Six-Figure Salaries & Projected Growth

00:08:45 - Education in 2036: Technology Acceleration & Enduring Fundamentals

00:09:50 - Robots, AI & the Chinese Boomi Example

00:11:14 - Why Classics & Timeless Wisdom Still Matter Most

00:13:51 - Smart Use of Tech Tools vs. Replacing Good Teaching

00:15:46 - Math & Science as Immutable Foundations

00:17:56 - AI/ChatGPT in Schools: Opportunities & Parental Risks

00:20:13 - Controlled Tech Access & Building Discernment

00:23:10 - Intentionality: Avoiding "Shiny" Tech Distractions

00:25:06 - Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Early Demand & Future Growth

00:27:02 - School Choice, Competition & Diversity of Options

00:29:33 - Accountability: A-F Ratings, Rigor Increases & Interventions

00:33:22 - Funding vs. Leadership: Why Management Choices Matter More

00:36:12 - Extended Learning Time Incentives & Global Comparisons

00:38:19 - Texas 2036 Tracking: On-Grade Reading/Math & Career Readiness

00:39:12 - Recruiting, Supporting & Retaining Great Teachers by 2036

00:41:21 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action: texas2036.org

Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks