Latest Posts
At the complicated intersection of cars, housing and a fast-growing, sprawling city
Research related to Houston’s problems with ‘newly poor’ neighborhoods, housing affordability, auto loan debt, transportation and COVID-19 all point to one overarching issue: Inequality.
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Frequent crises have shown us the power of solidarity. The city needs that strength now.
The economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak coupled with the pandemic being politicized by some will challenge the feelings of solidarity and trust that have been building in Houston in recent years. It’s important to remember the city and surrounding region’s ability to unite in the face of disaster.
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In Houston, the new normal should include more efforts to reduce air pollution
Stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of COVID-19 resulted in Houstonians driving a lot less. But Houston hasn’t stopped being an industrial city during the pandemic, which shows why reducing all air pollution is key to protecting public health.
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Snapshot taken of Houston just before pandemic shows the inequalities COVID-19 would exploit
Interviews for the 2020 Kinder Houston Area Survey were conducted just before the world was upended. The results of the survey reflect the existing disparities in health care and economics that the COVID-19 outbreak has underscored and exacerbated.
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From civic pride to slowing traffic, public art for the public good
Public art is an important part of urban design that strengthens community identity and pride. It can have cultural and economic benefits for neighborhoods and it’s accessible to everyone. Great and unexpected pieces of public art can be found across Houston. And best of all, it can be enjoyed at a safe distance from others.
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Could parklets help Houston restaurants recover from the pandemic?
As restaurants in Houston reopen and expand beyond to-go and delivery service, they’re required to provide more space between diners. In a number of cities, steps are being taken to allow businesses like restaurants to temporarily use outdoor space and parking lots to help with adequate physical distancing.
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How coronavirus infection rates in Texas metros compare to nation’s largest areas
Data analysis shows the confirmed cases and deaths per 100,000 residents in the 53 U.S. metropolitan areas with a population of 1 million or more.
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These tools — and policy changes — may help Houston address housing affordability
For years, Houston has been touted as one of the nation’s most affordable major metropolitan areas. But it’s now facing a decreasing supply of affordable housing. To effectively address the affordability crisis in Houston, local decision-makers and individuals must consider the combined costs of housing and transportation and their impact on overall affordability.
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Here’s where affordable housing and sustainable transportation co-exist in Houston
To better understand the affordability crisis in Houston, LINK Houston and Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research teamed up to explore where affordable housing and high-quality, affordable transportation overlap in the city.
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Urban Edge explains: The decennial census and why it’s more important than ever
For those who haven’t completed the ongoing 2020 Census, an important reason to respond online, by phone or by mail to the nine-question survey is the neighbor next door, two doors down or down the street.
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