Vibrant communities are key to a city's vitality but economic investment can take many forms with an array of consequences.

Latest Urban Edge Stories

Is development fueled by transit driving residents out in some areas?

Extensions of light rail service in areas with easy access to Houston’s major job centers have brought residential and commercial development to those areas. Researchers at the Kinder Institute wanted to find out if and how transit investments impact patterns of gentrification in the city.

METRO light rail train in Houston
Kinder Institute Research
: Dec 11, 2019
Demographics, Economic Development, Housing, Transportation

Financial insecurity plaguing families could cost Houston millions

Despite month after month of strong jobs reports and an economy seen as robust by most analysts, many families in Houston are struggling to make ends meet and afford basic household necessities. 

hand above water
News Story
: Dec 9, 2019
Economic Development, Housing, Urban Disparity

As overall job growth surges, outlook for low-wage workers darkens

Meet America's low-wage workforce: 53 million hard-working people struggling to keep their heads above water no matter what they do.

Restaurants workers work in the kitchen
News Story
: Dec 4, 2019
Demographics, Economic Development, Education, Urban Disparity

Latest Research

Houston in Flux: Understanding a Decade of Bayou City Development

This report quantifies, visualizes and analyzes new construction and demolition in Harris County between 2005 and 2015.
New Home Construction
Report: May 2, 2016
Economic Development, Urban Planning

Redeveloping the East End: Catalyst for Sustainable Transitions

This report provides recommendations for sustainable development in the East End neighborhood.
Image of bench in East End that says "Dream Big"
Report: Feb 25, 2016
Economic Development, Urban Planning

Experts

Bill Fulton

William Fulton

  • Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research
  • Research Oversight Committee, Urban Data Platform
713-348-2698
Profile
Head shot of Han Park

John Park

  • Research Fellow, Development, Transportation and Placemaking, Kinder Institute for Urban Research
713-348-8127
Profile
Head shot of Kyle Shelton

Kyle Shelton

  • Deputy Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research
713-348-3683
Profile

Related Initiatives

Community Bridges

A year-long, experiential learning program for undergraduate students designed to help alleviate poverty and inequality in Greater Houston.

Urban Development, Transportation and Placemaking

The Urban Development, Transportation and Placemaking program investigates issues associated with the growth and development in Houston on both a large and small scale.