Perspectives

In Defense of the Urban Freeway

Many of the people who choose to live downtown actually work in the suburbs. Ironically it's the much-maligned urban freeway system that makes this lifestyle possible.

California's New Model for Growth? "Mashable" Metros, With Transportation Options

It won’t be cars or transit; it won’t be houses or apartments; it won’t be downtowns or malls. It’ll be a mashup that gives residents options.

Are Houston’s Transportation and Urban Revolutions here to Stay?

Linking citizen-advocates, transportation officials and public officials is big first step.

Oil Prices Are Down. So Why Does Houston’s Population Keep Going Up?

Sunbelt cities account for most of the U.S. growth population according to new census figures.

5 Things to Know about Houston's New Bike Plan

The plan would create hundreds of miles of new bikeways.

What Scalia Meant For Land-Use Planning

Thirty years ago, in his first big majority opinion -- a land-use case from the California coast -- Antonin Scalia found the colorful and irreverent style that came to distinguish his career on the Supreme Court

Market-Based Zoning Needed During the Age of the "Sharing" Economy

As the sharing economy takes hold, it may be time to embrace a new type of zoning.

Take a Look at These Amazing Images of Cable Cars Around the World

Kinder Institute researchers make the case for why cities should seriously consider cable-propelled transit.

Director’s Address: What Rice University Means to the Kinder Institute

This is the first time in three years that the Kinder Institute has funded research projects across the campus, and we’re excited about connecting with other Rice University folks on important urban Houston research projects.

Director's Address - November 2015

A message from the director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research for the month of November.

Driverless Cars Will Change the Way We Think of Car Ownership

Driverless vehicles are poised to completely disrupt major segments of the economy.

Director's Address - October 2015

A message from the director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research for the month of October.

I Was a Teacher. I’m Worried My Daughter Will Follow in My Footsteps.

I fear she – like many other teachers – will be scapegoated as the reason public education is failing.

Remember When Houston Was Wild?

Sixty years ago, Houston was a dense city where the wilderness was within reach. Maybe we should look to the past as we plan our future.

When Faced With Poor Neighborhoods, Planners Often Struggle With Solutions

Investments in development and transportation don’t solve the fundamental problem of how to put more money in residents’ wallets.