Two factors:

1) Immigration - Houston is the victim of unprecedented waves of immigration not only from not only from Mexico & Central/South America, but also as a prime relocation spot for post Katrina displaced populations who never left.

2) Oil Prices - Tied directly to the public coffers Houston's budget tracks directly with the price of a barrel of oil.

This immigration pattern has drastically affected the culture here in Houston increasing crime and demand on social services simultaneously. The result is a basically irreconcilable budget shortfall.

I don't actually live in Houston proper, but in the surrounding area.
But as Houston goes, so go the satellite communities.

Watch for massive increases in Houston's population as oil prices climb ever higher generating jobs here... and the social problems which attend such growth.

The last time I was in Houston I felt like I was in a thirld world city. When the welfare and food handouts start to dry up the Zombies will riot. Not a pretty picture of the future.

Depends on where you go... big place.