Urban Planning

The Houston Townhouse: An Appreciation

Love or hate them, densely packed townhouses play a key role in the increasing the size of Houston's housing supply.

What the Latest Version of Google Maps Tells Us About Cities

Google's efforts to highlight "areas of interest" reveals much about the development of Houston. It also says something about the way Google portrays urban life.

Weekly Roundup: What It Would Mean to Have a Former Mayor As Vice President

Tim Kaine is the kind of guy whose "eyes lit up at the mention of land-use regulations," according to one observer.

Historic Freedmen's Town Houses Could Become City Landmarks

A group of Freedmen's Town homes could be the first public housing units in Houston to get the city's historical designation. The move is part of a growing movement that recognizes the links between housing and preservation.

How Questions About Density Complicate the Sun Belt Growth Narrative

Sun Belt cities are growing -- but more often than not, it's happening in a less-than-urban way.

Weekly Roundup: In the Country's Most Expensive Cities, It Takes Too Long to Build

In some places, it can take more than a year for a developer to secure a building permit, leading to higher housing costs for everyone in town.

In New Transportation Plan, Nashville Offers Model For Sun Belt Cities

The plan focuses on relatively quick, incremental steps that can have big impacts.

What the Ashby High-Rise Case Means for the Future of Houston Development

The ruling should help eliminate uncertainty around Houston development and promote more clarity around the city's brand of "zoning lite."

Latest Podcast: Understanding the Debate Over Education Funding

Kinder Institute experts discuss the status of education funding in Texas, and the history of construction and demolition patterns in Houston.

High Hopes But Few Details for Waterfront Redevelopment in East End

A developer who's won praise for mixed-used projects acquired bayou-front property in the East End.

Weekly Roundup: Phoenix Officials Work to Create a Downtown Reborn

Highlighting the week’s interesting, important and downright weird news about cities.

The YIMBY Movement Wants More Development, Not Less. But What, Exactly, Does That Mean?

Advocates view increased development as a way of creating more affordable housing in cities.

States and Cities Creating New Leadership Positions as They Rethink Their Approach to Transportation

U.S. cities are embracing new types of transportation leaders.

Report Sheds Light on Walkability Momentum in Houston

The future of walkable urbanism in the U.S. will depend on places like Houston, Los Angeles and Miami, which have made great strides -- but still have a long way to go, according to a new study.

Houston Architect Puts Forward Unique Vision for Astrodome Overhaul

An area architect wants to let Houstonians walk to the historic structure's apex.