The United States of Texas and California, a new Facebook group about the states’ big issues

California and Texas are two powerhouse states. Both are home to supercharged economies—their standalone GDPs are fifth and tenth in the world, respectively—and they share a set of relevant issues that affect their residents, in ways both micro and macro.

Often placed in opposition to each other—blue or red, leaders in climate progress or the business climate—California and Texas stand as national bellwethers on urban policy, infrastructure, agriculture, borders, energy, and more.

You know we cover these topics regularly, and we know you’re hungry to talk about them. So, in advance of an eight-part editorial project, launching mid-October, to investigate how California and Texas are tackling their big issues, we’ve created a space for you to be part of the conversation.

Introducing The United States of Texas and California, a new Facebook community group where we’ll hash out our thoughts about the two states’ approaches to specific projects and policies—high-speed rail, the housing crisis, urban freeways, and more.

The group is all about fostering conversations that are insightful, informative, and productive. We welcome anybody who wants to join: no need to live in or be from either Texas or California; we just want to hear what you have to say about what’s going on in the two states.

Ready to add your voice the convo? Request to join here.

And keep an eye out for more on this project from us: In a couple weeks, we’ll launch a related newsletter featuring the smartest voices from the two states. Stay tuned!