What will be the Future of Cities?

The Future of Cities

Whatever the future holds for humanity, it is likely to take place in an urban context. Yet, there are many, and sometimes divergent, urban futures. This book is being published as a series, with permission of the American Enterprise Institute. Please return weekly to read each chapter as it is published.
The Future of the Big American City is Not Bright

The Future of Cities: The Future of the Big American City Is Not Bright

As COVID-19 begins to wane and become endemic, the question for policymakers, theorists, and Americans at large is: What is in store for our nation's big cities? Please return weekly to read each chapter as it is published.
The Future of Cities Event, February 9th, 2023

Future of Cities Event: Speaker Panel February 9

The Texas Triangle is a distinctive model for 21st century urbanism, even after the pandemic. What is it that policy leaders can learn from the success of Texas cities? Please join us as this panel discusses their recent release, The Future of Cities, and how urban areas can reshape themselves in a post-COVID-19 world.
The Future of Cities: The Great Dispersion

The Future of Cities: The Great Dispersion

This chapter describes general urbanization trends in the United States and around the world, from 1950 to the present. This book is being published as a series, with permission of the American Enterprise Institute. Please return weekly to read each chapter as it is published.
The Future of Cities: American Aspiration is Metropolitan (by Ryan Streeter)

The Future of Cities: American Aspiration is Metropolitan

Before urban amenities and jobs existed, these were places of aspirations with ambitious founders.This book is being published as a series, with permission of the American Enterprise Institute. Please return weekly to read each chapter as it is published.
Texas and USA flags in snow

2022 Highlights

Time for our annual round-up of 2022 highlights — the best posts from the year, with this year featuring many great posts from Oscar Slotboom.
HCI cost increases trending significantly higher in past year

TxDOT Highway Construction Inflation

TxDOT highway construction inflation is consistent with infrastructure cost increases nationwide, showing a sharp upward trend in project costs from 2021 to 2022.
Should METRO reconsider eliminating transit fares? There are upsides and downsides.

Should METRO Reconsider Eliminating Transit Fares?

Houston's METRO could reconsider eliminating transit fares - and save the cost of an upcoming huge contract to upgrade their payment system. METRO would have to be willing to be bold, to innovate and experiment in order to maximize the benefits and minimize downsides.
SEPTA Transit Bus

Latest Transit Ridership Data for Houston and Dallas

Average transit ridership nationwide remains down 33.4% in September compared to pre-Covid levels, but Houston Metro is doing better.
Second Dwelling Units may help ease housing unaffordability in urban areas, but are prohibited by deed restrictions in many cities.

Why Houston is Better with TIRZs, and Minimal Zoning Restrictions

by 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.