Economic Development

Watch Two Decades of Growth in Houston

21 years. One GIF. The spread of development in the fast-growing Houston area.

How Financially Healthy is Houston?

A new study from the Urban Institute breaks it down.

Iconic Sears Set to Close, What Should Happen Next for Midtown Property?

We asked our readers for their visions. Here's what you said.

After Harvey, Resettled Refugees Who Found Opportunity Farming Rebuild Again

Harvey was actually the second disaster the farmers faced this year, following a freeze in January.

Perspective: Watching the Floodwaters Rise in Northeast Houston

My home since 2001, Northeast Houston was transformed by Harvey and faces a long recovery ahead.

Calculating Harvey's Aftermath

From fire ants to rising rents, Harvey brings a range of impacts.

Infill Development Could Make or Break San Antonio

Commentary: "It’s getting ugly out there," says architect Jim Bailey.

Redlining's Enduring Legacy

A new mapping tool overlays current demographic data with historic redlining maps.

Compare Cities Side by Side With New Tool

The Urban Observatory creates maps from a variety of data sources.

Houston Summer Jobs Program Grows But Some Push for More

The numbers are up from 2015, when only 430 youth were employed in the city's summer jobs program.

Why Sun Belt Cities Need Unique Solutions to Common Problems

The typical tools of urban America don’t always work in the rapidly growing region.

Amenitizing Urban Waterways: Planning Public Space Improvements with Vulnerable Communities in Mind

How can cities ensure that urban waterfront redevelopment benefits as many people as possible?

Q+A: Buffalo Bayou Partnership Looks East

President of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership talks about what's next and concerns surrounding the new development.

In Los Angeles and Houston, Waterway Redevelopment Must Be Balanced With Gentrification

Revitalizing long over-looked urban waterways requires thoughtful execution.

Architecture Firm Proposes 'Urban Trellis' to Reinvigorate Pierce Elevated

From freeway to park, it could be the perfect embodiment of a bold new Houston.