Governance

Most Houstonians Support an Equal Rights Ordinance, Survey Finds. So Why'd They Vote Against It?

Months after HERO failed, support for an equal rights ordinance still strong.

How the Worst Methane Leak in U.S. History Could Help Transform California’s Energy Grid

California officials advance plan to use restitution to spur energy innovation.

Mayoral Elections in California: 1995-2014

This report examines local elections in California, including the impact of off-cycle elections on turnout.

Hispanic Voters in Texas May Be Teaching the Campaigns an Important Lesson

Anti-immigrant rhetoric, some speculate, could have an unintended consequence: boosting Latino turnout.

Houston's Former Mayor on Pensions, Politics, and What's Next

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker says it's not a matter of "if" the city's pensions get addressed -- it's "when."

Filling Potholes: Analyzing the City of Houston's Response

This report tracks the City of Houston's progress in filling potholes.

Exit Interview: Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker

The urban planner-turned-mayor reflects on his 8 years in office and how he helped transform the city.

See the 8 cities with new mayors taking office next month

Houston, Philadelphia, and Indianapolis are among the major U.S. cities poised to get new mayors in January.

How One Chart Explains the "Crisis" of Latino Voting in Houston

Houston is 44 percent Latino, but it could have just one Latino elected official depending on how Saturday's election shakes out.

Voter Turnout is Low. So Why Do We Make People Vote Twice?

Runoff elections are inefficient and inconvenient. But there's another option.

Smart Streetlights are the Tip of the Spear for Smart Cities

It’s the first step for cities looking to grab the “smart cities” mantle: smart streetlights.

These Are Today's Top 10 "Urban Innovations"

Vertical farming, on-demand transit and intelligent street poles top the World Economic Forum's list.

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.

Transit, Development Issues Face Houston Mayoral Candidates

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

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.