Pensions, disaster relief and the consolidation of city services are some of the topics tackled by our researchers.

Latest Urban Edge Stories

State lawmakers need to partner with — not impede — local governments

Texas’ leading political figures have made it clear they don’t have much use for local government. From curbing cities' ability to generate property tax revenue to a call for localities from lobbying in Austin, state officials continue to limit the power of local governments.

State capitol in Austin and Houston city hall
Perspective
: Dec 20, 2019
Governance

Sylvester Turner to face Tony Buzbee in runoff for Houston mayor

This story was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Sylvester Turner
News Story
: Nov 6, 2019
Elections, Governance

Report finds gaps in Harris County's emergency chemical fire response

The analysis comes after the March fire at the Houston-area Intercontinental Terminals Company.

View of Ship Channel
News Story
: Aug 2, 2019
Governance, Health

Latest Research

Governing A Growing Region: Addressing Challenges of Service Provision and Development in Houston

This report takes a regional view to find major issues with the way our growth is governed.
Suburb homes
Research: Oct 25, 2018
Governance, Housing, Urban Planning

Collaborations and Overlapping Services in Harris County Law Enforcement

This report will lay out the landscape of law enforcement in Harris County and document existing overlapping services.
Houston police car
Research: Sep 6, 2018
Governance

Lessons from Harvey: Crisis Informatics for Urban Resilience

This report suggests that public agencies work closely with social media companies and the operators of crowdsourced sites to install plans to incorporate these systems into the disaster recovery process.
Three women being rescued by boat by two men during a flood
Report: Aug 22, 2018
Governance, Hurricane Harvey

Experts

Head shot of Ed Emmett

Ed Emmett

  • Senior Fellow and Professor in the Practice
  • Expertise: Transportation Policy & Community Resilience
Profile
Bill Fulton

William Fulton

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

Kyle Shelton

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