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We ❤️ cities, but there's a lot more to us than that...

hey@zactax.com

817-725-7241

the zactax blog

May 30, 2025

Gaining an edge in your sales tax forecasting using leading indicators

The ZacTax Research team investigates whether consumer sentiment and leading indicators can enhance sales tax forecasting models

sales tax forecasting research

May 12, 2025 Podcast

ZacTax: How to Build Financially Healthy Cities

ZacTax is a financial analysis firm that helps city officials understand their revenue streams and make smarter financial choices. Today, Chuck is joined by its founders, Chad Janicek and Patrick Lawl...

strong towns

Apr 16, 2025 Podcast

Will the voucher debate spare Texas cities this session?

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. Tim...

property tax texas legislature

Apr 4, 2025 Podcast

This is an April Fools joke, right?

In this episode, Chad and Patrick discuss the current state of the economy, focusing on market uncertainty and the challenges faced by city managers in forecasting sales tax revenues. They explore the...

tariffs economic indicators sales-tx forecasting

Mar 5, 2025 Podcast

What happens in Austin doesn't always stay in Austin

In this episode, Chad and Patrick highlight 5 bills pending in the Texas House. What are they, and what might they mean for local governments across the state? Join us to find out!Timestamps00:00 Gree...

texas legislature school funding

Jan 16, 2025 Podcast

Hold onto your butts... (property tax edition)

In this first episode of 2025, Pat and Chad hit a wide range of topics and do our best to avoid derailing the conversation with too much college football.Timestamps04:25 - TPPF Property Tax Proposals2...

property tax congestion pricing texas comptroller

Dec 5, 2024 Podcast

The earth's axis vs groundwater

In this (probably) final episode of 2024, Pat has a couple of water related articles to discuss. Join us as we talk about how groundwater use is affecting the earth's axis; how bottled water may...

groundwater

Oct 8, 2024 Podcast

The case for public space

This week's episode centers on a Texas Monthly piece titled "Why does Texas have so little public land?" Pat and Chad talk about the article and discuss whether cities can improve their...

land use public realm

Sep 26, 2024 Podcast

The housing trap with Chuck Marohn

On this epic episode, we welcome Chuck Marohn, founder and president of Strong Towns. Chuck's bestselling new book, Escaping the Housing Trap, kicks off the conversation, which winds its way thro...

housing strong towns sales tax

Sep 18, 2024 Podcast

The tizzy

On this somewhat feisty episode of ZacCast, Patrick and Chad discuss the built-in assumptions behind our development patterns, compare development in DFW and Houston, talk traffic planning, and talk a...

land use planning utility rate making

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AI for Cities Excel for Public Managers Forecasting 101