Many residents feeling far from safe on Near Northside streets
Near Northside residents’ perception of safety and the quality of streets and sidewalks are assessed in a pair of new reports from the Kinder Institute. The findings show subpar infrastructure and fears of crime and cars are endangering many in the neighborhood.
A rush to map freedom colonies before a crucial part of history is lost
For the past six years, Andrea Roberts has been dispelling misconceptions about the history of African American placemaking in Texas through her Texas Freedom Colonies Project.
How METRO made bus service a priority and became a transit trendsetter
In 2015, METRO took its outdated bus network down to the studs and designed an entirely new regional transit system that made bus service less complicated and more frequent along the busiest routes. The results made transportation officials in cities across the country take notice.
Houston doesn’t have zoning, but there are workarounds
So, what’s the deal with zoning laws in Houston? While it’s true the city has none, it still regulates development using a complex system of codes. These codes, however, don’t govern land use.
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.
Houston small-business survey reveals how city and state can better support manufacturers
Small businesses are only as successful as the policy, investment and regulatory environment they operate in. For small enterprises especially, flexibility and nimbleness are critical to growth. To thrive, clear pathways must exist for firms, regardless of size, to effectively scale, expand operations and further contributions to the economy, through new jobs, tax revenue streams and technological innovation.
Could cities, not national governments, be the ones to fight the climate crisis?
What happens if cities rethink their policies to combat climate change rather than waiting for nations to do so?
Living in walkable neighborhoods makes children richer when they grow up, new study finds
Living in walkable neighborhoods has shown to improve health, social wellbeing and general happiness, and now, a new study shows children growing up in walkable areas earn more money as adults.
Our cities will become smart only through private-public partnerships, experts say
Technology will transform our cities for the better, according to a panel hosted by the French American Chamber of Commerce and Ion Smart Cities Accelerator program and prototyping lab.
Washington is a great (baseball) town. So is Houston.
The World Series faceoff revealed some additional similarities between the two seemingly-contrasting cities.
Cemeteries as urban public spaces? This is why it could work
Some cemeteries come up with creative ways to maintain the grounds, including historic tours and respectful events.
Equity questions raised over Buffalo Bayou East master plan
The plan aims to add 40 miles of new and improved trails and bikeways, 200 acres of parks and open spaces, seven new boat landings and seven new bridges. But not all welcome the changes.
Houston residents celebrate Buffalo Bayou Partnership's plans for the east side
The partnership and other city officials presented the plan, which aims to be authentic, connective, inclusive and resilient.
Houston's Complete Communities to get 5G service
During a roundtable discussion Monday, Houston's mayor and others discussed the importance of 5G equity.
Texas cities 'surprisingly' featured in report about combating green gentrification
Park improvements and gentrification are said to go hand in hand, but a new report sheds light on how this trend can stop.
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