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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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Houston, Texas 77027
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 Real American Divide
in Demographics, Politics & Policy/by Joel KotkinThe real American divide is between the extremists of both parties and the moderate, pragmatic policy preferences of the average American.
Texas’s Hottest Race
in Politics & Policy/by Charles BlainNational pundits opining on Texas elections say that the governor’s race is the one to watch, but Texans themselves are perhaps even more focused on the race for Harris County Judge.
Houston Asks Voters to Approve $478 Million in New Debt
in Politics & Policy/by Charles Blainby Charles Blain — Despite being awash with federal aid, $607 million since 2021, and benefiting from annual property tax increases, $27 million more this year, the City of Houston is asking voters this November to approve $478 million in local debt.
Why Houston is Better with TIRZs, and Minimal Zoning Restrictions
in Planning, Politics & Policy, Suburbs, Urban Issues/by Tory Gattisby Tory Gattis — Houston’s TIRZs (tax-increment reinvestment zones) may provide more opportunity for middle and working class families to find affordable housing than typical urban zoning practices.
What Martha’s Vineyard Represents
in Politics & Policy/by Cruz Garcíaby Cruz García — On the night of September 14, two planes carrying 50 Venezuelan asylees landed in Martha’s Vineyard sent by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Texas High Speed Rail: The End or Not?
in Politics & Policy/by Wendell Coxby Wendell Cox — In 2012, Texas Central Railway announced a plan to build a high speed rail line from Dallas to Houston. However, local opposition and lack of funding resources means the rail project now seems unlikely.
Do Cities Have a Future?
in Urban Issues/by Joel Kotkinby Joel Kotkin — Today the world’s great cities, such as New York or London, face dramatically changed conditions, notably the rise of remote work, fears from the pandemic, and rising crime.
How Race Politics Misses the Mark for Latino Voters
in Politics & Policy/by Cruz Garcíaby Cruz García – Latino voters should be approached as swing voters with no real loyalties to neither Democrats nor Republicans for the 2022 midterm election.
Spiraling Admin Costs + Strong Toll Revenue Recovery at HCTRA
in Urban Issues/by Tory GattisToll revenue recovery at Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is strong, but admin costs have skyrocketed since 2020.
Countering the “Freeway Fighters”
in Planning/by Tory Gattisby Tory Gattis — This piece covers the “freeway fighters”, a growing anti-freeway movement in America which will have many negative ramifications for the economies of metro areas.