After 40 years of encouraging play, SPARK wants to eliminate Houston’s park deserts
URBAN EDGE : November 27, 2023
In 1983, Houston’s Green Ribbon Commission reported that the city needed an additional 5,000 acres of greenspace to compete with the parks and recreation facilities in other U.S. cities. To meet this challenge, the report suggested creating community parks on public school grounds, which led to the SPARK School Park Program.
Could parks be a panacea for what ails Houston? Here’s what the research says
URBAN EDGE : October 19, 2023
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban parks and greenspace provided welcome respite and recreation when people had to spend a lot of time indoors. That renewed appreciation for parks confirmed what many researchers have been pointing out for decades: They provide cities huge benefits for public health, the environment and the economy.
Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2023 Results
RESEARCH : May 15, 2023
The 42nd Kinder Houston Area Survey provides a glimpse into how Houstonians are thinking about the economy, affordable housing, inequality, and other critical challenges and issues facing their communities.
Kinder Institute Forum: Tamika L. Butler
EVENT : May 13, 2022
A national expert and speaker on issues related to the built environment and equity, Tamika L. Butler discusses institutional oppression, the importance of inclusive urban design, and how to make transportation and public spaces more equitable.
Kinder Institute Forum: Richard Florida
EVENT : May 13, 2022
Leading urbanist Richard Florida discusses the effect COVID-19 and its related economic, fiscal, social and political fallout have had on cities. He also outlines how post-pandemic, cities can rebuild to be more resilient and equitable.
Urban Reads: Rachel T. Kimbro
EVENT : February 17, 2022
Sociologist Rachel T. Kimbro discusses her new book, “In Too Deep: Class and Mothering in a Flooded Community.”
Scribbles from Switzerland: In a world of disruption, a tiny old European region has a lot of answers
URBAN EDGE : December 15, 2021
I just took a trip to Switzerland and southern Germany, and was amazed by what I saw and experienced. As a country goes, Switzerland is relatively old, landlocked, and small. However, despite its reputation for being just about chocolate and skiing, it’s also quite diverse, both socially and economically. Its terrain is wildly varied, combining mountains, valleys, plains and lakes, with historically strong and distinct areas clearly defined in each area. And Switzerland consistently ranks near the highest in terms of overall quality of life.
Kinder Institute Forum: Antoine Bryant
EVENT : November 10, 2021
Planner and community advocate Antoine Bryant discusses his work on affordable housing, equitable development and community-led design.
Houston’s LULAC House, a symbol of Hispanic political power, beckons for renewal
URBAN EDGE : October 24, 2021
The LULAC House in Houston's Midtown neighborhood has hosted presidents and has helped launch social programs that would inspire federal efforts that continue to this day. This symbol of collective Hispanic political power could be a rallying point and a shared ground for advocates for Houston and the Latinx community alike—if it can be saved.