Urban Edge

Sharp insights. Smart solutions. Better cities.

YMCA CEO: We’re working to tackle loneliness — and want more Houston leaders to join us

By Stephen Ives
Ives is president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, which serves nearly 400,000 members and program participants annually across the region.

‘Just stuck out here’: Bus riders simmer under sun in Houston’s hottest neighborhoods

On a recent Friday, James Snyder baked under the morning sun in Gulfton while waiting for a Metro bus to his dogwalking job.

Texas community college bachelor's degree programs are booming. Why aren’t more students enrolling?

Texas community colleges are rapidly adding bachelor’s degree programs, aiming to help workers and businesses fill high-demand, high-paying jobs.

Texas’ urban counties invest billions in medical safety nets. Their suburban neighbors don’t.

In Harris County, residents with modest or no health insurance have a strong medical safety net. The county’s hospital district, Harris Health System, operates two trauma centers, 16 community health centers and several specialty care locations — all of which provide services at little to no cost.

How Houstonians still fall short in preparing for natural disasters

Harris County residents have weathered their share of natural disasters, but some still could improve their storm-prep game.

Do Houston residents support mass deportation? Here’s what 9,800 of them said

On immigration, a strong majority of Houstonians agree: Increase pathways to citizenship, stop mass deportation, let “Dreamers” stay, and finally fix a broken system.

In Harris County’s most food-insecure area, a nonprofit leader offers a recipe for tackling hunger

When northern Harris County residents ask Northwest Assistance Ministries for help with their basic needs, one request emerges the most: food.

Federal disaster aid is coming to Houston. Why most property owners will get left out.

Help could soon arrive for Houstonians with property damaged in last year’s two major storms — though not enough to cover even half of the still-needed repairs.

‘Clear need to ramp up’: How Houston can better prepare for the AI boom

To become an AI machine, Houston still has some learning to do.

How much is homeowners insurance in Harris County? See average rates in your neighborhood.

Homeowners across Harris County are paying significantly more in property insurance premiums than in years past, adding to the financial strain on residents struggling with housing costs.