Urban Edge

Insights, perspectives and stories about building better cities and better lives

In the COVID-19 era, a renewed appreciation of our parks and open spaces

During this time of heightened stress and anxiety, stay-at-home orders and social distancing, the respite provided by simple things like a walk or run in the park has proved to be more important than ever. Let’s not forget that when we reach the other side of this.

Mobility data shows some staying at home more than others during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers studying the impact of stay-at-home mandates on the area’s environment and infrastructure share insight into which county populations are limiting their movement — and potential exposure to the coronavirus — more than others.

Boom likely to resume but leaders need to square disparities in the Texas Triangle

Despite the current coronavirus-driven economic slowdown and drop in oil prices, Houston continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most prosperous metropolitan areas in America. The metro area continues to add about 100,000 residents annually and has a gross domestic product of a half-trillion dollars per year.

Staying at home may have saved 4,533 lives in Harris County so far

The number of COVID-19 deaths in the United States is nearing 10,000 and there are close to 340,000 reported cases.

How do we safely reopen cities after the coronavirus pandemic? We have to prepare now.

No, COVID-19 will not be the end of cities. But it will take time, effort and preparation to safely return them to “normal” as soon as possible, says urban studies theorist Richard Florida.

Coronavirus puts those living in flood-damaged homes at greater risk

Many families in the Houston region live in homes with flood damage, of which they may or may not be aware. These residents may face high levels of mold exposure that can lead to lung damage that puts them at a greater risk of severe complications should they become infected with the novel coronavirus.

How the COVID-19 pandemic will change our cities

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has forever changed the world and life as we know it. Once the current pandemic is over, it will also change our approach to where we work, how we get there and more.

Here’s what our cities will look like after the coronavirus pandemic

Editor’s note: This is the first of two posts exploring the long-term effects the COVID-19 crisis will have on the American city. Once we get through this, cities as we know them will be changed forever.

During the pandemic, we can keep our distance while looking after one another

As a stay-at-home order takes effect for residents of Houston and Harris County, the importance of social solidarity and working together for the common good become even more crucial to protecting our most vulnerable neighbors.

Suspending evictions is the right move for Census 2020

Thursday, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Texas Supreme Court halted eviction proceedings until April 19. This is the right call. With an average of 600 evictions per week in Harris County, suspending evictions will prevent thousands of people from losing their homes over the next month.