State lawmakers need to partner with — not impede — local governments
Texas’ leading political figures have made it clear they don’t have much use for local government. From curbing cities’ ability to generate property tax revenue to a call for banning localities from lobbying in Austin, state officials continue to limit the power of local governments.
Housing vouchers work but more funding is needed to help more families
Research shows housing vouchers lead to improvements for families — children, in particular. Unfortunately, for many in Houston, limits on the program are blocking their access to those opportunities.
How riding Metro every day changed my perspective on transit funding
Houston area voters will decide November 5 whether or not to support Metro’s ballot referendum, which borrows $3.5 billion for system improvements and expansions.
A path forward for social mobility
Almost a year since the Opportunity Atlas was launched, what have we learned about social mobility and how are we moving forward?
How landmarks and cognitive maps could help create social cohesion
As researchers continue to investigate how we go about forming our mental maps, understanding their impacts is important too.
Perspective: Welcoming to Houston for new resident includes getting hit by a car
A changing Houston must reimagine streets for pedestrians and cyclists and have less concern for speeding traffic.
How Houston’s Decision On Affordable Housing Could Affect City Outcomes
The City of Houston may want to explore multilateral policies that intend to assist in rebuilding vulnerable communities.
At the kickoff to SXSW 2019, Harvard economist and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Ed Glaeser, highlighted how big data and cities can transform policymaking – but how can Houston leverage these tools?
Judge Hidalgo's Civic Saturday on Transportation Sparks 'Much-Needed' Discussions on Street Safety
Simply put, improving safety for all road users benefits everyone.
Could Incentives for Public Transportation Be the Key to Boost Ridership?
Over the years, companies, government entities and non-profits have tried to get public transportation or alternative commuting to stick.
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?
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.
In Northeast Houston, Residents, Nonprofits and the City Work Together After Harvey Toward Recovery
One of the many communities affected by Hurricane Harvey, Northeast Houston's recovery has been slow. But one community fair that sought to flip the top-down recovery script offered hope.
Sharing Space in the Modern City
OffCite | Debates about the "sharing economy" tap into fundamental questions about how we share space in a city.
It’s Time to Fix Houston's Dangerous Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure
Several important planning efforts are underway, but we need results now.
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