Governance

Two Houston Zip Codes Among the "Most Gentrified" In the Country

The analysis looked at changes in median income, home value and population with a bachelor’s degree or higher between 2000 and 2016.

Local Government Corporations, like Houston First, Are Popular in Houston But What Are They?

Part non-profit, part quasi-governmental entity, local government corporations use taxpayer funds and private donations in the name of the public.

Charts: What Flood Mitigation Policies Do Houston-Area Residents Support?

“Everybody is for everything,” said Bob Stein, Rice University professor. Less so when you propose increased taxes.

Urban Review: Unequal Voting Lines, Transit-Oriented Development and Fare Evasion

This week, uneven wait times at polling places, mixed results for transit-oriented development in Los Angeles and more.

After Harvey, How Can Houston Improve the Buyout Process?

Buyouts are a popular hazard mitigation but examples from across the country offer innovative ways to improve the process.

Planning for Houston’s Future

At a recent discussion with Houston city and civic leaders, a look back at the 2015 general plan shows some movement, but much more to go.

Maps: FEMA Assistance After Harvey

As acceptances and rejections come in for those who applied for assistance in the wake of Harvey, a picture of unmet need emerges.

Being Poor Is Expensive: How Banks Operate is Part of the Problem

Faster check processing, argues a new report, could help families living paycheck to paycheck who are more likely to be unbanked or underbanked.

Funding Primer: Harvey Relief and Recovery

This report seeks to inform decision makers about the recovery funding process and potential gaps.

Cecilia Muñoz: Lessons from the Obama White House

The former senior staffer reflects on eight years in the White House, place-based policy and optimism.

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund Needs Assessment: Phase One

The first phase of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research’s needs assessment work on behalf of the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Houston Solutions Lab Pairs Academics with City

Three projects were selected in the first round of funding, including two for flood research.

Harvey Reflections: A Tech Community Comes of Age

"We were prepared. We were ready to work for 48 hours."

FEMA Applications Show Need in the Wake of Harvey

More than 436,000 valid individual assistance FEMA applications were submitted in Harris County.

Harvey Reflections: Opening Homes for Disaster Relief

The government response was critical during Harvey. But Ed Pettitt, who hosted evacuees in his Third Ward home through Airbnb, said citizen response was the most impressive.