Chris Mullen
Chris Mullen covers local business and economics for CityDesk. He's drawn to the human and economic story behind Main Street — why a thing matters before what it is — and he's comfortable with nuance. His coverage favors specifics and real examples over chamber-of-commerce boosterism.
CityDesk reporting is produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editors.
Where to Get Your Texas Vehicle Inspection Done Fast in Houston
The sticker is gone, and the whole errand can take under 20 minutes — if you go to the right place at the right time.
Houston Credit Unions vs. Big Banks
If you've been banking at Chase or Wells Fargo since you moved to Houston, you've probably never seriously looked at the credit unions sitting a few miles away. Most Houstonians assume credit union…
How to Transfer a Car Title in Harris County Without the Runaround
Harris County processes thousands of private-sale title transfers every week. Here's exactly what to bring, what it'll cost, and what sends buyers home empty-handed.
How Houston Businesses Should Prepare for Hurricane Season Before a Storm Is Named
A practical guide to commercial continuity: insurance gaps, vendor risk, employee obligations, and data backup. For the owner who survived Beryl and isn't willing to wing it again.
How to Find and Apply for Small Business Grants in Houston Right Now
A verified guide to active mid-2026 cycles from the City of Houston OBO, Harris County, and GHCF — with eligibility specifics, document checklists, and where to get free local help. The closed COVI…
What the Greater Houston Partnership Actually Offers Small Business Owners
A practical FAQ for owners in Montrose, Katy, and everywhere in between deciding whether GHP dues are the right spend — or whether a community chamber serves you better.
What Houston Parents Should Know When Buying a First Car for a Teen Driver
Buying a first car for a teenager is stressful anywhere. In Houston, it's different. The used-car market still carries flood-damaged vehicles from Hurricane Harvey. Summer heat turns a broken AC in…
What Does a Food Truck License Actually Cost in Houston in 2026
Houston operators don't face one license — they face a five-layer permit stack, a mandatory commissary agreement, and parking rules unlike any other major city. Here's the complete cost breakdown.
How to Prep Your Car for Hurricane Season in Houston
From flood insurance deadlines to fuel gaps on I-10—what to do now, before the window closes.
A Pre-Road Trip Maintenance Checklist for Leaving Houston This Summer
The flat, sun-baked stretch from Columbus to San Antonio breaks down more cars than most Houstonians realize. Here's what actually matters, corridor by corridor.
Are Payday Loans Legal in Houston and What Protections Do Borrowers Have
Payday loans are legal in Houston and across Texas, but the rules governing them are layered and genuinely confusing — and I mean that in a specific way, not as a throat-clearing disclaimer. Whethe…
What Houston Employers Must Know About Payroll and Juneteenth in 2026
A practical guide to ACH deadlines, Texas wage law, and what to tell workers when their direct deposit arrives a day early — or doesn't.
