Urban Edge

Stories, perspectives and insights from the Kinder Institute

State lawmakers need to partner with — not impede — local governments

Texas’ leading political figures have made it clear they don’t have much use for local government. From curbing cities’ ability to generate property tax revenue to a call for banning localities from lobbying in Austin, state officials continue to limit the power of local governments.

Understanding Houston: Advocate for broader perspective on mental illness addresses stigmas

This is a part of a series connected to our partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation's regional project Understanding Houston. This story, and others, also appears on the Understanding Houston website.

Movies, books, music and fried-rice omelets were part of what we loved this year

And just like that, 2019 is (almost) over. It was a blur. As we close in on Day 365 of the year, we're thinking back on some of the best things we watched, listened to, read and even came to rely on because they entertained, inspired, informed and moved us.

Several Houston suburbs rank among cities with least sustainable credit card debt

WalletHub calculated the cost and time it would take residents to pay off median card balances in cities across the country.

Understanding Houston: Teacher advocates for early childhood education in Houston

This is a part of a series connected to our partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation's regional project Understanding Houston. This story, and others, also appears on the Understanding Houston website.

Hey, no fare! Kansas City moves to free transit as Metro studies the option

Last month, Metro announced it was studying the elimination of transit fares. Kansas City, whose city council recently approved a move to a universal free-fare system, could provide valuable insight into how such a system would work.

Is development fueled by transit driving residents out in some areas?

Extensions of light rail service in areas with easy access to Houston’s major job centers have brought residential and commercial development to those areas. Researchers at the Kinder Institute wanted to find out if and how transit investments impact patterns of gentrification in the city.

The diverse needs of small-batch manufacturers in Houston

The challenges faced by Houston’s maker, craft and small-batch manufacturing community are very similar to other cities, with a few notable differences. Despite this, Houston’s biggest gap is equal opportunity to enter this growing sector.

Financial insecurity plaguing families could cost Houston millions

Despite month after month of strong jobs reports and an economy seen as robust by most analysts, many families in Houston are struggling to make ends meet and afford basic household necessities.

Understanding Houston: First-generation Houstonian makes her voice heard through voting

This is a part of a series connected to our partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation's regional project Understanding Houston. This story, and others, also appears on the Understanding Houston website.