Building the New America: Report on trends shaping the migration of people and jobs

Report: Building the New America

How do we build a new urban model for America — one that is better aligned with the aspirations of most Americans? This newly released report examines the housing trends that are driving today's migration of people and jobs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inner KATY BRT Plan

Metro’s Inner Katy BRT Plan, and Urban Exodus Trend

by Tory Gattis — Metro's Inner Katy BRT plan looks good except for TXDoT's duplicative plans for vehicle traffic lanes to replace lost access to existing HOV lanes. And, the urban exodus continues.