Today's cities face an uncertain future if they do not adapt and change

Do Cities Have a Future?

by 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.
Houston, TX HOV lane on Highway 69

Spiraling Admin Costs + Strong Toll Revenue Recovery at HCTRA

Toll revenue recovery at Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is strong, but admin costs have skyrocketed since 2020.
Increased dispersion as people move from densely populated urban cores, to smaller communitiesWendell Cox, used with permission

Census 2021 Estimates: Increased Dispersion

by Wendell Cox — Increased dispersion began before COVID, but accelerated in 2021 with what the Census Bureau characterized as “a shift from larger, more populous counties to medium and smaller ones.”
The Next American Cities, a report from Urban Reform Institute

The Next American Cities, a New Report from Urban Reform Institute

by Charles Blain — Our recently released report, The Next American Cities, offers an answer to the problems plaguing those living in and near major cities, with a combination of affordability, amenities, and proximity to jobs.
The Post-pandemic Future of Cities

The Post-Pandemic Future of Cities

by Tory Gattis — Fracking has a bad rep, but know-how born of the shale boom is now helping power clean energy entrepreneurship in Texas.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's approach to dealing with homelessness in Houston is seeing success.

Austin vs. Houston; Houston’s Tough Love Homelessness Model

by Tory Gattis — This week, I'm sharing my favorite excerpts from Evan Mintz's newest Texas Monthly essay, and how Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's approach to homelessness is succeeding.
Austin Downtown July 4th

Flexible Remote Work Beating Hybrid Models, Austin’s CA Housing Frenzy

by Tory Gattis — Californians are feeding Austin's housing frenzy, as flexible remote work is beating hybrid models for work.
The Astrodome Conservancy starts campaign to repurpose the Astrodome

Astrodome as World’s Largest Climate-Controlled Festival Park, Smart Traffic Lights and more

by Tory Gattis — Could the Astrodome be repurposed as the world’s largest climate-controlled park with a focus on weekend festivals? Having an activated park full of activities and festivals on weekends that is always protected from heat and rain would be a very popular spot for Houstonians.
New construction in Texas

Houston Land Use Event, 2nd in Tech Growth, and Republican Voters Moving to Texas

by Tory Gattis — I'll be covering some of Houston's land use and zoning history as well as what other cities can learn from Houston in an online event this Tuesday. Plus, what demographic trends are emerging post-pandemic?
The "Be Someone" bridge

My Land Use without Zoning Event, TX #1 for Small Biz

by Tory Gattis — I will be speaking at "Land Use without Zoning: Putting Ideas into Practice", hosted by the Mercatus Center. Understanding how to navigate and remove land-use regulation barriers allows for a dynamic housing market and successful community development.