About Us

A National Think Tank Based in Houston

Urban Reform Institute (URI, formerly Center for Opportunity Urbanism) is a stand-alone think tank, based in Houston. Headquartering this effort in Houston reflects the region’s emergence as arguably the primary exemplar of this new urban model. But this is not a Houston-centric think tank; its view and reach is national. It is directed both by its board and its executive director, who will remain based in Southern California, with input from fellows and a board of advisors. The Institute is run primarily by Joel Kotkin, with assistance of a part-time office manager and later additions in public/media relations, fund raising, and lobbying. Our team consists of several noted experts in the field of urban growth, including our first fellows, Wendell Cox, Tory Gattis and Anne Snyder.

Board of Directors

Tom Lile, Vice Chairman
Leo Linbeck III, Chairman
Alan Hassenflu
Walter Mischer
Richard Weekley
Larry Johnson
Joel Kotkin, Executive Director

Checks may be made payable to Urban Reform Institute. Contributions are fully deductible as a charitable contribution under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Urban Reform Institute is sponsored by the Competitive Governance Institute, which is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a section 501(c)(3) organization.

3900 Essex Lane, Suite 1200
Houston, Texas 77027

866-573-8201
UrbanReformInstitute.org