Governance

Pension Obligation Bonds Will Be on Houston’s Ballot

So what does that mean?

Who Runs for Mayor in America?

This report looks at mayoral elections in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota and Virginia.

Turns Out Houstonians Really Like Living in Houston

More than two-thirds of residents say even if they could move anywhere else, they'd still choose Space City as their home.

Houston Residents Increasingly Believe Post-High School Education Is Unnecessary

Today, just 54 percent of area residents say education beyond high school is needed to be successful.

Consolidation or Collaboration? Common Solutions to Reduce Overlapping Services in Local Government

A report framing the issue of overlapping services within the Houston area.

Voters Nationwide Support Transit, But Will Washington?

More than 30 communities nationwide approved ballot measures designed to support transit efforts.

In Houston, Voters Send a Strong Message About Criminal Justice Reform

Newly-elected sheriff and DA say they'll avoid locking up low-level offenders.

Houston’s Pension Reform Package: Our Latest Analysis

Houston’s pension reform plan -- and in particular, its risk-sharing provisions -- should be viewed by other cities as a national model.

Houston Mayor Says All Three Pension Boards Support Reform Deal

After a 7-2 vote from the firefighters' pension board, the pension deal goes next to city council.

How Houston Can Address Its 111,000 Young People Who Don't Work or Attend School

Given the vast numbers of disconnected young people -- and the cost of inaction -- the time to consider a different approach is now, a new Kinder Institute report argues.

Harris County Votes to Move Forward With First Phase of Astrodome Renovation

Harris County commissioners voted Tuesday to go forward with plans to raise the floor of the Astrodome and install 1,400 indoor parking spaces beneath it.

Houston Mayor Announces Pension Reform Package

Mayor Sylvester Turner says the plan will immediately reduce the city's unfunded liability by $2.5 billion. But not all the stakeholders are on board quite yet.

Mayoral Elections in Indiana: 2003-2015

The report examines a host of indicators regarding mayoral elections in Indiana, including mayoral races in 474 general elections and 706 primary elections in more than 120 Indiana cities.

The Houston Pension Question: How the City's Pension Liability Grew and the Options for Reform

This report presents options for pension reform.

Data-sharing Efforts Aim to Improve Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice Outcomes

"Unless we know the scope of what we’re dealing with," one nonprofit says, "there’s no way to develop solutions to it."