Insights

School vouchers, slowing growth and food insecurity: What Kinder Institute researchers are watching in Houston in 2026

The new year will bring big changes to key education, health and housing policies that shape the city.

Houston’s poorest neighborhoods are still drowning in illegally dumped trash — even after federal intervention

A decade of stagnation: New data reveals Houston’s trouble getting some youth into school, workforce

1 in 5 Texas students are still missing lots of school — and attendance isn’t getting much better

Roughly 20% of Texas public school students were chronically absent in 2023-24, new data shows, a marginal decline from the prior year and well above than pre-pandemic levels.

Despite glut of existing homes for sale, Houston leads nation in new-home permitting

Who are Harris County’s unauthorized immigrants? These charts detail their diverse backgrounds.

New estimates from the Migration Policy Institute shed light on Harris County’s 600,000-plus unauthorized immigrants.

A new state plan calls for big investments in public transit. What it could mean for Greater Houston.

A statewide public transportation plan proposes better bus connectivity and new high-speed rail for Houston.

Half a million Houstonians could soon change careers. Is the region ready to help them?

Abandoned properties are making Houston hotter. Could these changes turn down the heat?

Texas’ fastest-growing path to ‘college readiness’ leaves many high schoolers unprepared

College prep courses are booming in high schools, but mounting evidence shows they’re not equipping students for success.

How can Houston help more locals climb the income ladder? 3 economic mobility experts offer their take.

The region's first Economic Mobility Summit spurred conversation and ideas for helping more Houstonians improve their long-term earnings outlook.

Houston reports fewest available beds in 20-plus years as unsheltered homelessness rises

What’s Texas State Technical College? A look at the school behind Proposition 1 on voters’ ballots.

Harris County flood resilience plan aims to ready residents, businesses for next big storm

A key federal report on food insecurity is ending. How local data can fill the gap.