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How cities can drive opportunity for the bulk of their citizens
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Urban Reform Institute is a 501c3 Non-Profit organization
that exists to promote approaches that enable cities to
drive opportunity for the bulk of their citizens.
The Future of Appalachia
in Demographics, Reports/by Aaron M. RennNew trends — sunbelt growth , remote work, combined with traditional assets such as cultural tourism or even high-tech growth — provide reasons for optimism for the future in significant parts of Appalachia.
More on METRO’s Uptown BRT Failure
in Urban Issues/by Tory GattisA Houston bus rapid transit (BRT) route over dedicated bus lanes is attracting less than 10 percent of the riders that were projected for it.
Los Angeles City Council and Under-representation
in Demographics, Politics & Policy/by Cruz GarcíaConcerns over public safety can be one of the most polarizing policy issues that divide Americans. The past years of mainstream journalism would have convinced the people that inefficient police forces are the source of the problem…
Housing Costs vs Fertility, YIMBY Righteousness and more
in Planning/by Tory GattisHousing costs show a strong correlation with fertility decline: as economies grow and people get wealthier, they want more space per person, and if they can’t afford it, they shrink their family size to compensate.
The Value that Mobility Adds to Quality of Life, and more
in Planning/by Tory GattisThe value that mobility adds to a person’s quality of life is considered in a study on access to jobs via driving or transit, with the finding that, “larger accessibility (via more possible trips within a given time frame) leads to greater economic productivity.”
Public Perceptions on Crime are more Legitimate than Politicians Think
in Politics & Policy, Urban Issues/by Cruz GarcíaConcerns over public safety can be one of the most polarizing policy issues that divide Americans. The past years of mainstream journalism would have convinced the people that inefficient police forces are the source of the problem…
Induced Demand Debunked
in Urban Issues/by Tory GattisDoes “induced demand” make road projects futile? Most new demand on expanded roads comes from new population, new employment and economic activity — which is normally considered to be a good thing.
Urban Doom Loop Coming for Cities with Commercial Real Estate Crash
in Economics, Urban Issues/by Tory GattisAs cities experience a rapid decline in commercial real estate value; they face difficult choices that could make them less attractive, triggering a “urban doom loop” that pushes more people away, hurts revenue, and perpetuates a cycle of decline.
Harris County, Drop Basic Income and Address Cost of Living
in Economics, Politics & Policy/by Charles BlainHarris County taxpayers might be much better served by addressing the county’s escalating cost of living rather than expanding their guaranteed basic income pilot program.
Texas Transportation Projects Update
in Economics, Planning/by Tory GattisTexas transportation projects update: the legislative regular session ended on Memorial Day. Transportation related issues were mostly low priority, and the Senate focused mainly on a few important long-term funding bills.