Urban Edge

Insights, perspectives and stories about building better cities and better lives

Sales Tax Could be the Key to Alleviate Revenue Shortfalls

Government entities in the Greater Houston region are increasingly struggling to provide urban-level services to all residents, particularly those in unincorporated suburban areas. Raising or allowing high-growth urban counties to collect sales tax could improve the provision of public services to all residents.

Portland Versus Houston: Density, Housing and Affordability

The two cities are viewed as regulatory opposites when it comes to housing, but how are they faring with different approaches?

Kinder Institute's Community Data Dashboard Adds More Indicators

Learn more about the tool at a free workshop Thursday, Nov. 1.

Carol Coletta Pushes Citizens to Better Engage Their Communities to Increase Neighborly Trust

The phrase, "You can't feel 'em, if you can't see 'em," frames her discussion of how we all need to better connect with our neighbors.

Urban Review: Expiring Affordability, Early Voting and How Real Estate Prices Respond to Threat of Climate Change

This week, what happens when hundreds of thousands of affordable properties lose the restrictions keeping them affordable, what do those early voting numbers mean and how is climate change affecting real estate?

Could A Regional Approach to Revenue Help The Houston Area's Patchwork System of Governance and Services?

Regional governance in the Houston area currently produces disparities between communities and frustrates regional challenges. Regional revenue sharing offers a different approach without ceding local autonomy.

Special Districts Helped Form Houston. But the Patchwork of Governments Also Presents A Challenge Going Forward.

A patchwork of cities, counties, municipal utility districts and other jurisdictions across the region has created barriers to long-term regional prosperity, according to a new report.

In Houston Neighborhood Short on Parks, A Community Makes Its Own

Through building a park for the community, the dense, diverse Gulfton neighborhood finds ways to come together.

Conference Sheds Light on How Harvey-Affected Children Can Tackle Trauma

Following Hurricane Harvey, the focus of childhood trauma was heightened but are there lasting impacts being missed?

Huge Turnout on First Day of Texas Early Voting

Texas Tribune | Texas counties large and small saw substantial voter turnout on the first day of early voting for the 2018 midterm elections.