Urban Edge

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

Jeff Speck Takes On Current I-45 Expansion Plan, Inspires More Action

City planner and author Jeff Speck sparked Houstonians to join actions aimed at the current I-45 expansion plan by TxDOT.

Jeff Speck, Author of 'Walkable City,' Shares His Urban Rules

In his latest book, Walkable City Rules, Speck makes it easy for cities to improve access and walkability.

Better Re-Entry Housing Programs, Code Violation Reporting and More Among Affordable Housing Proposals by Rice Students

The Third Annual Houston Centered Policy Challenge highlighted how the Bayou City can tackle affordable housing in extremely unique ways.

Maps: Six 15-minute walks capture the diversity, history of Houston neighborhoods

A quick walk can mean very different things depending on the area.

Survey Finds Extensive Mental, Physical Health Impacts of Hurricane Harvey

With roughly 10,000 respondents as of early January, the Hurricane Harvey Registry released preliminary findings about the storm's health and housing impacts.

Urban Review: A Potential LA Mega-storm, The Struggle to Define Suburbs And One Big Thing Missing from a Bold Childcare Proposal

This week, what a rare but potentially catastrophic mega-storm might mean for Los Angeles, the many meanings of "suburban," where a proposal for universal childcare falls short and more.

At Rice University's Metro Day, Locals Share Their Concerns About MetroNEXT

Metro is making its rounds across Houston to get feedback about the MetroNEXT draft plans to understand what Houstonians want out of a public transit system.

Opportunity Zones: Gentrification on Steroids?

A new federal program meant to spur investment in underserved areas could bring positive changes. Or it could hasten gentrification, particularly in Houston.

How Are Young Adults' Housing Moves Affecting Neighborhood Diversity?

A new study uses longitudinal data to follow young adults as they leave their parents' homes.

Urban Review: Public vs. Private Investment, What's Left of California's Bullet Train and Some Property Tax Relief in Texas - Maybe

This week, why private investment needs to be considered alongside public dollars, what happened to California's innovative rail project, a painful proposal for property tax relief in Texas and more.