Urban Edge

Insights, perspectives and stories about building better cities and better lives

Weekly Roundup: Some Cities Are So Broke They're Un-Paving Roads

In the face of tight budgets, towns say they can save money by reverting to gravel-covered streets.

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."

"Ban the Box" Movement Gaining Momentum in Texas

A growing number of communities are enacting policies designed to prevent ex-felons from being blackballed from work.

When Black Lives Matter Protesters Take to the Streets, It's Part of a Long History of "Infrastructural Citizenship"

Protesters, in the 1970s and today, turned to the streets to force conversations into the public eye.

What Makes Transit Successful? Survey Says It's Frequency, Reliability and Shorter Travel Times

Riders value frequent service more than almost anything else. Wi-fi at bus stops? Not so much.

Why Is It So Hard to Improve American Policing?

The techniques associated with "democratic policing" reforms are well-known. But they bump up against political and financial realities of the 12,000-plus local police agencies across the U.S.

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.

Weekly Roundup: Can Silicon Valley Build the City of the Future?

The folks behind Y Combinator want to put their tech prowess toward urban improvements.

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.

Why Educators Should Be Paying Close Attention to Pharr, Texas

The South Texas school district is winning national acclaim for its approach to engaging high school dropouts.