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How cities can drive opportunity for the bulk of their citizens
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Urban Reform Institute
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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 Battle for Houston
in Economics, Suburbs, Urban Issues/by Joel Kotkinby Joel Kotkin — America’s most opportunity-rich city faces a long-term challenge from “smart-growth” advocates pushing for more regulation.
Millennials Reinvent Localism in Their Search for Community
in Small Cities, Suburbs, Urban Issues/by Anne Snyderby Anne Snyder — It’s common knowledge that millennials long for “community.” What’s less understood is the concrete expression of that longing in cities and suburbs across America…
The Localist Revolution
in Demographics, Planning, Small Cities, Urban Issues/by David Brooksby David Brooks — Localism is the belief that power should be wielded as much as possible at the neighborhood, city and state levels. Localism is thriving — as a philosophy and a way of doing things — because the national government is dysfunctional while many towns are reviving.
Cautionary Tales from the Cities of Seattle and Philadelphia
in Demographics, Suburbs/by Wendell Coxby Wendell Cox — For some time now urban core proponents have boasted about a “return to the cities” from the suburbs. While the urban core cities have done better in recent years than before, the claim has been significantly overblown. Suburbs have continued to capture the “lion’s share” of growth…
Perspectives on Defining the American Heartland
in Demographics, Reports/by Ross DeVolby Ross DeVol — When one hears “American Heartland”–specific images and cultural values come to mind. And yet, a widely shared vision of what geographic region truly comprises the American Heartland has so far proved elusive.
California’s Climate Extremism
in Energy & Environment, Planning, Politics & Policy, Urban Issues/by Joel Kotkinby Joel Kotkin — Environmental extremism increasingly dominates California. The state is making a concerted attack on energy companies in the courts; a bill is pending in the legislature to fine waiters $1,000—or jail them—if they offer people plastic straws
What is Middle-Income Housing Affordability?
in Housing, Suburbs, Urban Issues/by Wendell Coxby Wendell Cox — Few local or metropolitan issues receive more attention than housing affordability. This article provides a perspective on housing affordability, which is the relationship between housing costs and income.
Hooked On a Feeling: Unique Experiences Help Fill Wisconsin’s Talent Pipeline
in Urban Issues/by Angela Damianiby Angela Damiani — By all measures economists use to assess the quality of life a place offers—job availability, cost of living, commute times, recreation, etc.—Wisconsin stacks up pretty well.
Housing Affordability From Vancouver to Sydney to Toronto: Time to Do What Works
in Housing, Suburbs, Urban Issues/by Wendell Coxby Wendell Cox — A healthy market has a balance between supply and demand. In many cities, the demand for houses far outstrips the supply. Yet, cities have studiously avoided the obvious supply side policy that could restore housing affordability.
Pervasive Suburbanization: The 2017 Data
in Housing, Suburbs/by Wendell Coxby Wendell Cox — The most recent Census Bureau population estimates have made it clear that migration to the suburbs and away from urban cores has accelerated dramatically since the early years of the Great Recession.