Urban Edge

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

What If Houston Fell in Love With Planning?

Can a booming city known for laissez-faire zoning become a U.S. model for equitable urban growth?

Houston, With Its Mix of Poverty and Rain, is Especially Vulnerable to Zika Virus, Researchers Say

As the flood waters in Houston once again recede, residents anticipate the next challenge: mosquitos.

Unappreciated Robots; Online Sales Tax; and Rethinking Jacobs: Urban Insights From Around The Web

Highlighting the week’s interesting, important and downright weird news about cities.

Space City: Underutilized Lots Provide New Opportunities for Houston Neighborhoods

Empty lots and odd bits of underutilized land are hallmarks of urban life in Houston. Here are four spots that are ripe for change.

You Can Now Visit Houston's Trails Without Leaving Home (But You Probably Should)

A new partnership means more than two dozen of Houston's parks and trails are now available via Google Street View.

Greater Houston is Becoming Increasingly Democratic, and Other Highlights From Our 2016 Survey

Harris County is increasingly Democrat, secular, and tolerant. Read the highlights of this year's Kinder Houston Area Survey.

In Houston, the Land of Megachurches, Religious Service Attendance Declines

The percentage of residents who regularly attend religious services is declining, mirroring national trends.

Houston Policymakers -- and Residents -- Giving Criminal Justice Reform a Boost

Support for change grows as officials look to reduce jail population and address racial disparities.

Oil Prices Are Low. So Why Are Houstonians Optimistic About the Economy?

Despite cheap oil, Houstonians aren't too worried about jobs.

Most Houstonians Support an Equal Rights Ordinance, Survey Finds. So Why'd They Vote Against It?

Months after HERO failed, support for an equal rights ordinance still strong.