Governance

Don’t misinterpret Houston’s non-voting record

Houston voters rejected HERO. That doesn’t mean its residents aren’t progressive.

This is America: What the Debate Over Syrian Refugees Means for Those in Houston

Rejection of refugees and threats about funding confound an already desperate situation.

Houston is split on gay rights. So why did its equal rights ordinance fail spectacularly?

Houston elected an openly gay mayor three times. But it couldn't pass an equal rights ordinance that exists in many other cities.

Research Over Coffee: Lack of Black Lawmakers Can’t be Explained By Unwilling Candidates

Blacks are just as likely to seek high office, but they face smaller odds of success.

Transit, Development Issues Face Houston Mayoral Candidates

We present context around the candidates’ comments on their vision for the city.

Houston, Kinder Institute to Host Next City Vanguard Conference in 2016

What happens when you bring dozens of the country's most promising young urbanists to a city and set them loose to solve its biggest challenges?

What do Houston’s mayoral candidates think of our obesity epidemic?

Upcoming debate aims to shed light on public health issues

In Texas ‘colonias,’ third-world conditions are the norm

Some residents near the border scrape by without access to electricity or clean water

When, exactly, do protests become riots?

Media coverage focused on “thugs” can distract from broader concerns

It’s Scary Just How Little We Know About Local Elections

There’s no centralized hub for elections info, so key questions about democracy remain unanswered. With new funding from the Knight Foundation, we’re changing that.

Moody’s Gives Houston Negative Outlook

The city's economy is booming, but the city's finances aren't quite as rosy

Should the Census add more choices on gender?

Starting in 2000, the Census offered more flexible choices when it comes to race. Should it offer broader choices on gender too?

Is there a better way to warn residents of flooding?

Gauges, radar and modeling help area leaders know whether the Texas Medical Center is at risk of high water.

Mayoral candidates to debate health

The slew of candidates vying to become Houston’s next mayor will inevitably spend the next six months giving stump speeches about jobs, infrastructure and public safety.

How Oklahoma City’s mayor put his city on a diet

Most communities are delighted to make any of the “top city” lists that have become ubiquitous in the media in recent years.