Urban Disparity

How buses can drive equity and success in cities — and even help kill zombie ideas

Ridership in most major metropolitan areas of the U.S. has been steadily declining in recent years. And transit experts worry about the trend’s impact on cities — economically and socially. But when you improve buses, as the experience in Houston and in so many other places shows, ridership and relevancy increase.

The housing voucher program isn’t perfect, but it’s essential

How much do you know about the 45-year-old federal housing assistance program that was created to help those with the nation’s lowest incomes access better opportunities and escape poverty?

Financial insecurity plaguing families could cost Houston millions

Despite month after month of strong jobs reports and an economy seen as robust by most analysts, many families in Houston are struggling to make ends meet and afford basic household necessities. 

Public libraries are the crazy, radical ideas that might save society

In his Kinder Institute Forum talk, sociologist Eric Klinenberg discussed the amazing power of the public library system, as well as the biggest threats to this vital and sorely neglected part of America's social infrastructure.

How the Third Ward is fighting the 'effects of unchecked gentrification'

When Pamela Ramirez relocated to Houston in 2014 to pursue her career in public service with Harris County, she purchased her first car and began looking for a place to rent. While on HAR.com searching for rental property, she found a listing for a single-family home with a mortgage payment in her rental range. Ramirez took a deep breath and decided to explore.

Partnerships and student cohort expanded for 2019-2020 Community Bridges Program

This Kinder Institute program pairs undergraduate students with community-based nonprofits to conduct research and alleviate poverty in Houston.

Urban tree distribution reveals neighborhood inequalities within cities, including Houston

In a city notorious for rain, heat and humidity (and often all three at once), shade is a highly-coveted, heat-reprieving resource for all Houstonians. And yet, the presence of shade at times feels unequal depending on where you are in the city.

Cities are getting hotter. This guide can be the simple start to cooling them down.

This hot city summer reading guide is for all you hot boy and girl urbanists out there.

Long overlooked, Pleasantville hopes big grant, partnership means big change

In the Ship Channel's shadow, the small community was selected to be part of a Gulf Coast collaboration fighting health inequities.

Houston landmarks according to you

We asked readers which Houston landmarks anchor their mental maps of the area. Here's what you said.

HOAs are spreading. But at what cost to cities?

Almost 60 percent of new single-family home construction today is in an HOA, according to the study.

After Harvey, a community rebuilds and organizes for more

What began as a rebuilding effort has turned into a community organizing effort to address long-standing issues.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco offers intimate look at gentrification's impact

The film, which opens in Houston Friday, follows one man's efforts to reclaim the home his grandfather built.

Houston among the most politically-polarized cities in America, analysis finds

A FiveThirtyEight analysis found Democrats and Republicans tend not to live side-by-side, even when they live in the same city and Houston is no exception. 

How Detroit’s director of planning aims to recreate the city with equity for all in mind

For the past four years, Detroit's director of planning and development, Maurice Cox, has been making radical changes to the once-bankrupt Midwest city with a particular focus on creating a city that's equitble for all residents.