Research

89th Texas Legislative Session: Priorities and Policy Views

This survey snapshot examines the top priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature among residents across the Greater Houston area, including Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties.

Characteristics and Profiles of Pre-K Classrooms and Teachers in the Houston Region

This brief examines the characteristics of public pre-K teachers and classrooms in Houston-area school districts to better understand how well the programs align with research-based indicators that have been shown to produce positive student outcomes.

2024 Storm Impacts in Houston and Harris County: A Descriptive Overview

This brief provides an overview of the cumulative impact extreme weather had on Houston and Harris County residents from late April to early July.

Student Enrollment and Mobility During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research examined patterns of student mobility, specifically students changing schools or school districts, in Houston-area school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Houston Workforce Demand Dashboard

This dashboard connects localized workforce data to career and technical education (CTE) pathways in the Houston region to help improving the alignment between education, training, and workforce need.

Housing Affordability and Instability

Houston-area residents were asked how difficult it was in the past 12 months to afford housing costs, and if certain factors contributed to the difficulty they experienced

Beyond Dollars and Cents: Exploring Budgeting, Saving, and Financial Security in the Houston Area

This study explores Harris County residents’ financial security, looking at their budgeting and saving practices, barriers people face to budgeting and saving, and how these practices relate to someone being able to withstand economic shocks.

Coffee & Quality Case Study #2: Alexander Jewish Family Service

The second Coffee & Quality Case Study focused on Alexander Jewish Family Service, a social service nonprofit working with individuals of all ages located in southwest Houston.

Middle School Experiences and Exit: Perspectives From Parents

This study utilizes parent survey and interview data to study motivations behind middle school student mobility.

Pre-K Enrollment and Early Elementary Outcomes

This series examines the influence of the passage of Texas House Bill 3 (HB3) and COVID-19 pandemic on public pre-K enrollment and attendance. It also looks at how participation in public pre-K programs is associated with early elementary outcomes such as kindergarten readiness, chronic absenteeism, and English proficiency.