Perspectives

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.

Driverless Cars Will Change the Way We Think of Car Ownership

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

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.

How Testing Prompted Me To Leave An 18-Year Education Career

I was a principal at a struggling urban school. I realized could do more to help my students from the outside.

To See If METRO’s Bus Overhaul Works, I Rode It With a 1-Year-Old

A family outing to Buffalo Bayou reveals exactly how Houston’s revamped bus network is paying off.

Drowning in Data, Cities Need Help

For most of human history, urban planners have had to do their jobs with only the dimmest understanding of what’s going on. Now they have more information than they can handle.

A Closer Look at Criticism of Houston’s “Transit Deserts”

The notion that transit riders in large swaths of the city will be left high and dry is demonstrably false, and, of course, the vast majority of riders will see significantly improved service.

Houston Cyclists Keep Getting Killed. They Don’t Have To.

Three Houston-area cyclists have been fatally struck by cars since late May.