Insights

How many Houston-area residents could lose health insurance if the ACA is repealed?

A lot, according to new estimates.

A $15 minimum wage could lift 1.3 million out of poverty—and potentially cost 1.3 million jobs, according to CBO

It's been more than 10 years since lawmakers have raised the federal minimum wage, which is the longest period in history that it's stayed stagnant.

Houston considers changes to juvenile curfew ordinance

With the curfew up for regular review, the mayor has promised significant changes to the ordinance before an expected July 17 city council vote.

Job automation may negatively impact women’s job opportunities more than men’s, report shows

Automation and artificial intelligence technologies will displace men and women fairly equally over the next decade, but women may find more difficulty in that transition.

Two Texas cities among the top 12 American cities where people want to move, rental search report shows

A new report shows both Dallas and Houston as cities where people are wanting to rent next. 

Across the country, cyclist and pedestrian deaths rose in 2018 while overall traffic deaths declined

Houston, meanwhile, has made big promises for more bikeways and safer streets for all.

HOAs are spreading. But at what cost to cities?

Almost 60 percent of new single-family home construction today is in an HOA, according to the study.

At one year, Houston's Community Land Trust charts progress, confronts questions

The effort aimed at creating long-term housing affordability faces some challenges as it looks to expand.

Houston among the most politically-polarized cities in America, analysis finds

A FiveThirtyEight analysis found Democrats and Republicans tend not to live side-by-side, even when they live in the same city and Houston is no exception. 

Even with new funding, pre-K still isn't the norm in Texas

In May, the Texas House and Senate approved HB-3, which provides around $11.6 billion in funding for public schools.

Houston is the best city in Texas for people without college degrees to find a good job, report finds

Houston is notorious for being a place of opportunity for all, but according to a new report, the Bayou City is ranked right in the middle in the nation when it comes to employment opportunities for sub-baccalaureate workers. 

Overwhelmed with bad climate change news? These American cities and states are doing something about it

Some cities and states are stepping up, but is it enough?

Texas lawmakers send bill to governor that would eventually outlaw red-light cameras

The legislation includes a provision to allow local governments to continue operating cameras until they finish out any contracts in effect as of May 7.

Texas Senate approves school finance reform bill but opts not to fund it with a sales tax hike

Via The Texas Tribune: The chambers will need to negotiate how to give teachers pay raises, whether to adjust how students take standardized tests and how to provide long-term property tax relief for Texans.

Housing costs have lowered for the rich but risen for the poor, analysis shows

This research shows how much the gap between the rich and the poor has exacerbated.