Pandemic evictions cost Harris County $100 million and much more
Houston ranks third in the nation for eviction filings since the COVID-19 pandemic began. What can local officials learn from the steps taken by cities such as Austin to help keep residents housed during this unprecedented public health and economic crisis?
How will COVID-19 alter today’s house of tomorrow?
In 2020, many American companies and their employees embraced working from home, and polls show the majority of workers want to continue the arrangement after the pandemic is over. With so many spending much more time at home, what design trends will benefit workers, households and individuals the most?
Here are the 10 most-viewed — and some of the most-engaging — Urban Edge stories of the year, as well as a look at how the Kinder Institute and its researchers are providing the insight needed to solve cities’ equity problems.
Hindsight in 2020: Some of the things that helped us cope
The year in review or the year in the rearview mirror? In 2020, we’ve seen a once-a-century pandemic amplify and exacerbate many of America’s long-existing disparities. We’ve also seen life-affirming kindness, dedication and sacrifice from so many fighting the effects of COVID-19 on a number of fronts. Here are some of the simple things that helped sustain us during the coronavirus crisis.
Buoyed by a suburban shift, the pandemic housing market continues to soar
In the Houston area and affordable metros and small- and mid-size cities across the U.S., sales of single-family homes are on pace to hit record highs. How much of the boom can be attributed to the COVID-19 crisis?
A data-driven approach to combating food insecurity worsened by COVID-19
In August, Urban Harvest launched its mobile market to bring healthy and affordable food options to underserved areas with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The nonprofit collaborated with the Kinder Institute’s Houston Community Data Connections to create a data-based decision support tool that helps ensure the mobile market is being dispatched to areas of Houston where residents need it the most.
With added e-bikes, Houston bike share charges forward with expansion
BCycle rolls out the first batch of its electric bikes, which could help riders go farther and choose to bike more often. The boost from the e-bikes, along with plans to install more docking stations, should extend the network’s reach and improve access to biking for many in the city.
To improve transit equity in Houston, improve local bus service in these 3 high-demand areas
According to LINK Houston’s “Equity in Transit: 2020” report, roughly 867,000 Houston residents live in areas warranting more affordable transportation options for people who walk, bike and ride public transit. Transit plays a central role in connecting people to jobs, education, health care and many other opportunities.
Want transportation equity? Be an accomplice, not an ally
Tamika L. Butler loves biking, transit and transportation, and she advocates for all three because she cares about her family and wants to build a better world for them. That’s why, when talking about transportation, planning and the built environment — especially now, when transit agencies are considering drastic cuts because of the pandemic — she always talks about race.
Study: Pandemic relief for small businesses did its job, but more stimulus likely needed
New research indicates federal and local COVID-19 relief programs were effective in helping to buoy small businesses with injections of cash earlier in the pandemic. And as the pandemic drags on, additional action may be necessary.
Rent prices are up in Houston as they’ve fallen in many US cities amid the pandemic
New reports on rental market trends show Houston, Austin and other Texas Triangle cities are hotspots for millennials while many of the most expensive U.S. cities for renters have seen prices decrease in the past year.
Young workers account for almost 30% of pandemic-related job losses in the region
More than 325,000 16- to 29-year-olds have filed jobless claims since the COVID-19 outbreak began, many of them worked in accommodation, food services and retail — trade sectors hit hardest by the pandemic.
Stay safe on Halloween with this color-coded map of COVID-19 risk levels by county
These are frightening times, but there are safe ways to celebrate Halloween this year. It’s important to follow the guidelines on hygiene and social distancing and know the risk of COVID-19 infection where you live. There’s even a color-coded map to help you assess the risk level by county.
Students: Don’t leave college money on the table by failing to file a FAFSA
The vast majority of college undergrads depend on some amount of financial aid to afford their education. But to get it, they have to fill out a FAFSA. Research shows that students in higher-poverty school districts are less likely to complete the FAFSA than students in wealthier districts. So far this year, which has been greatly disrupted by the pandemic, completion rates are down at all levels, especially in high-minority and Title 1 high schools.
Let’s fund parks like the essential infrastructure they are
Great public spaces are equitable places that bring people who are not the same together. Cities need to think bigger when it comes to funding parks, trails, libraries and other civic assets because the return on investment can be huge.
Rice University
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