Perspectives

Houston Versus Chicago: A Reflection

A new sculpture sparked the latest in Houston and Chicago's urban rivalry. But some murkier truths lurk beneath the surface.

What Being Mayor in California Taught Me About Working in Houston

Coming to the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, who knew that my experience in Ventura would translate so well to Houston?

How To Test Your Economic Development Strategy

The truth is that when you lure a business to town, more likely than not you’re renting those jobs.

Op-Ed: What Trump's Infrastructure Plan Missed About the Review Process

Do citizens really have a say over infrastructure projects? Historically, no.

After Harvey's Rainwaters Receded, Fears Rose

Like Katrina and Sandy, Harvey shook Houstonians' from their complacency.

The 'New Urbanism' Movement Might Be Dead

City revival has ceased to be a radical idea, and that’s a good thing.

Kinder Institute to Offer New Urban Data Resources

The Kinder Institute's new Urban Data Platform may be the most important, enduring effort we undertake this year.

A Year-End Message From Kinder Institute Director Bill Fulton

The Institute isn't just producing reports and blog posts, Fulton says. It's having an impact.

In Houston, a Regular Bus Rider Encounters Characters – and Kindness

When riding the bus, fellow passengers (and drivers) are rarely boring.

Trump Victory Underscores the Important Role of Cities as Laboratories of Democracy

The future of America belongs not to Washington but to cities across the country.

Can Public Transit and Ride-Share Companies Get Along?

Across the country, transit agencies and ride-sharing services are partnering up. Will those agencies come to regret it?

I Moved to Houston From 9,000 Miles Away. What I Saw Surprised Me

Nearly a quarter of Houstonians are foreign-born, like me. This is what the city looks like through my eyes.

What the Ashby High-Rise Case Means for the Future of Houston Development

The ruling should help eliminate uncertainty around Houston development and promote more clarity around the city's brand of "zoning lite."

"Suburban Urbanism" Is No Longer Just a Niche

Regardless of where they live, urban amenities are no longer a bonus but a requirement for many millennials.

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.