Issues

Our research spans a range of important, complex and intersecting urban issues, from demographics to transportation.

As the most diverse metropolitan area in the country, Houston is the ideal place for the Kinder Institute for Urban Research to call home. In addition to an annual survey that tracks the changing attitudes and concerns of Houston-area residents, the Kinder Institute produces research and leads the conversation on a range of topics important to Houston and all urban areas.

COVID-19 AND CITIES
We are continuing to follow the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on cities and people.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As the country's demographic profile continues to change, our research captures the impact of this transformation.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Vibrant communities are key to a city's vitality, but economic investment can take many forms with an array of consequences.
EDUCATION
From early childhood education to outcomes after graduation, our education research strives to address inequity and help guide district policy.
ELECTIONS
Who votes, who runs and why are central issues for the health of local democracies.
GOVERNANCE
Pensions, disaster relief and the consolidation of city services are some of the topics tackled by our researchers.
HEALTH
Where the individual and public policy collide, our health research and coverage seeks to document and improve.
HOUSING
Where we live is often linked to how we live, making housing policy a critical and complicated tool of government.
HURRICANE HARVEY
The unprecedented 2017 storm dumped more than 50 inches of rain on the Houston area but as rain events and flooding become the new normal, new research is needed to respond.
IMMIGRATION
In a city where roughly one-fourth of the population is foreign-born, Kinder Institute researchers explore how immigration and immigration policy help shape Houston and beyond.
SUN BELT
Faced with unique challenges, this booming mega-region is also the source of unique innovations.
TRANSPORTATION
Infrastructure and mobility are ongoing challenges for many urban areas that connect to a range of related issues.
URBAN DISPARITY
Gaps in income, educational attainment, neighborhood services and other key metrics often signal gaps in opportunity.
URBAN PLANNING
From small to big spaces, urban design influences how we experience places and our research strives to make that experience better.

Mailing Address

6100 Main St. MS-208
Houston, TX 77005-1892

kinder@rice.edu
713-348-4132 

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Physical Address

Rice University
Kraft Hall
6100 Main Street, Suite 305
Houston, TX 77005-1892

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