Megan Kimble has been hired by the Houston Chronicle for its Austin bureau to cover the impact of Texas policies on the state’s economy and its residents. Texas editor Jeremy Blackman commended Kimble’s ability to deliver powerful stories on housing, transportation, and local governance during her seven years in Texas. Most notably, she recently published a book about the consequences of urban freeway expansions in Texas.
Blackman highlighted Kimble’s talent for translating complex jargon into relatable stories and her ability to uncover overlooked issues within bureaucracy. In her book, she followed residents in Houston, Dallas, and Austin who were at risk of losing their homes and businesses due to planned highway expansions. Her research also revealed violations of the National Environmental Policy Act by the Texas Department of Transportation and shed light on the political motivations behind the state’s transportation budget allocations.
Prior to joining the Houston Chronicle, Kimble served as the executive editor at the Texas Observer, where she oversaw investigations into various issues such as rural healthcare, abandoned oil wells, and inmate deaths in Texas jails. She has also contributed to publications like Texas Monthly, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and the Guardian. Kimble’s extensive experience and dedication to shedding light on important issues make her a valuable asset to the team.