Insights

How Houston has changed — and stayed the same — in the past 10 years

It’s been a decade since the Kinder Institute for Urban Research was formed at Rice University. During that time, a lot has changed at the institute and in the Houston metropolitan area. In 2020, the Urban Edge will feature a number of stories related to the 10-year anniversary of the institute. To kick things off, let's compare the Houston area of 2010 with the city today.

Financial insecurity plaguing families could cost Houston millions

Despite month after month of strong jobs reports and an economy seen as robust by most analysts, many families in Houston are struggling to make ends meet and afford basic household necessities.

As overall job growth surges, outlook for low-wage workers darkens

Meet America's low-wage workforce: 53 million hard-working people struggling to keep their heads above water no matter what they do.

How the Third Ward is fighting the 'effects of unchecked gentrification'

When Pamela Ramirez relocated to Houston in 2014 to pursue her career in public service with Harris County, she purchased her first car and began looking for a place to rent. While on HAR.com searching for rental property, she found a listing for a single-family home with a mortgage payment in her rental range. Ramirez took a deep breath and decided to explore.

Sunnyside survey shows neighborhood's social fabric is strong

Results from the recently released Sunnyside Strong survey reveal promising potential for revitalizing the predominantly African-American neighborhoods of Sunnyside and South Park in south-central Houston; though there’s still work to be done.

Houston mayor concerned with the state takeover of Houston ISD board

During a Texas Tribune conference Friday, Mayor Sylvester Turner said he was concerned with the state taking over the largest school district in Texas.

Atlanta resident survey shows similar concerns Houstonians face including transportation, housing and crime

Each year, the Atlanta Regional Commission and its partners conduct the Metro Atlanta Speaks survey, similar to Houston's Kinder Houston Area Survey.

The first things to come following the $3.5 billion bond approval for METRONext

On Tuesday, voters approved the bond vote with 68% voting in favor.

Sylvester Turner to face Tony Buzbee in runoff for Houston mayor

This story was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Do cities or suburbs offer higher quality of life? Time-use data shows there are more similarities than differences

Recent research suggests suburbanites and urbanites may live far more similar lifestyles than they realize. 

Houston residents celebrate Buffalo Bayou Partnership's plans for the east side

The partnership and other city officials presented the plan, which aims to be authentic, connective, inclusive and resilient.

Austin named America's fastest-growing large city in 2019, report says

Both Dallas and Houston are among the top 40 fastest-growing large cities, according to the recent report.

Austin among global cities where carbon emissions are already falling

Austin's municipal operations aim to be carbon neutral by 2020, and they're on the way.

Report shows how small businesses fare in Houston compared to other American cities

A report from JPMorgan Chase Co.'s research institute reveals how small businesses in Houston fare compared to other large, American metros.

Analysis: Governments don’t fix problems they don’t recognize

This story was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.