Who votes, who runs and why are central issues for the health of local democracies.

Latest Urban Edge Stories

Urban Review: Why Uber and Lyft Are Hurting Transit, Maternal Depression and Economic Mobility and The Role of Public Testimony

This week, more bad news about Uber and Lyft's impact on transit, the link between maternal mental health and mobility, whether public testimony really changes policy and more.
Infant holding hand
News Story
: Feb 8, 2019
Elections, Governance, Health, Transportation

What To Watch: Looking Ahead to the 86th Legislative Session

Thanks in part to the results of the recent election, lawmakers are underscoring this session as a time to focus on "bread and butter" issues.
Austin Capitol
News Story
: Dec 4, 2018
Education, Elections, Governance, Hurricane Harvey

Urban Review: Midterms, Midterms and More Midterms

In case you can't get enough, we've got several looks at what the midterm results mean for transit and housing, a shifting suburban voter profile and more.
Man holding Voting Is People Power sign
News Story
: Nov 9, 2018
Elections, Housing, Sun Belt, Transportation

Latest Research

2018 Civic Health Index

Commissioned by Houston Endowment, this study examines the state of civic health in Greater Houston (the Houston MSA) to better understand civic attitudes and behaviors as well as political participation.
Report Cover for the Civic Health Index Report
Research: May 1, 2018
Elections

The State of Local Democracy in Houston and Harris County

This report looks at local elections in Houston and Harris County.
Image of Houston's City Hall
Report: Oct 3, 2017
Elections, Governance

Who Runs for Mayor in America?

This report looks at mayoral elections in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota and Virginia.
Canvassing
Report: May 24, 2017
Elections, Governance

Experts

Head shot of Melissa Marschall

Melissa Marschall

  • Kinder Fellow
  • Professor of Political Science
  • Director, Center for Local Elections in America Politics
  • Director, Social Policy Analysis Major, School of Social Sciences
  • Rice University
713-348-4132
Profile