Accessibility issues and misinformation have created rollout challenges throughout the region. Here’s what you need to know. Where can I get the vaccine? Vaccines are available at pharmacies, grocery stores and ad-hoc vaccination centers set up at major locations throughout the region, including NRG Stadium in Harris County. Each county has different resources and distribution …
Continue reading “The COVID-19 vaccine in Houston: What residents need to know”
In the Houston area, there are neighborhoods fewer than 15 miles apart in which the average life expectancy differs by 21 years and future income differs by $50,000 for low-income children. The disparities may exist in the present, but their roots run deep through our region’s history. More than 90 years of discriminatory federal, state, …
Continue reading “Exploring the Legacy of Redlining in Houston”
This Transit Equity Day, we would like to acknowledge and thank Janis Scott for her unceasing commitment to improving and preserving public transit access for all Houston-area residents. Janis truly embodies the values central to transit equity. A Rice University graduate and a native Houstonian, Janis has been riding the bus all her life. She …
Continue reading “Janis Scott: A Powerful Voice for Transportation Equity”
Unfortunately, natural disasters in Houston are nothing new. Whether you’re a lifelong Houstonian or a recent transplant, chances are you’ve either experienced a natural disaster firsthand or experienced some extremely close calls like those from the very busy 2020 storm season. And as the data has made clear, these disruptive weather events aren’t expected to …
Continue reading “Three Facts Every Houstonian Should Know About Natural Disasters in Houston”
In no uncertain terms, 2020 has been one of the most memorable years in our country’s history. And while this year brought challenges that many of us would rather soon forget, we can’t dismiss 2020 in Houston without acknowledging some of the galvanizing moments that both defined our region’s year and served as indicators of …
Continue reading “The Year in Review: A Data-Driven Look at Houston’s 2020”
The Greater Houston region is filled with possibilities. Across Greater Houston’s 10,000+ square miles live more than 7 million people from all walks of life and more than 90 countries. They speak nearly 150 unique languages. They help their neighbors at higher rates than the national average. They create world class arts and cultural experiences. …
Continue reading “A Look Back at Understanding Houston’s First Year”
The year 2020 has been defined by significant change. From the many disruptions and adjustments associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to the renewed and evolving conversations surrounding racial injustice in America, each month has brought with it new reasons to reflect on and adapt to the shifting circumstances we’re all facing. Amidst these many challenges …
Continue reading “A Look at Electoral Participation in Houston: Past and Present”
Alice Valdez: Musician—Educator—Advocate Access to and participation in the arts is a vital part of any community; and in a region as diverse as Houston, the arts play a crucial role in helping us see and understand cultures other than our own. And while Houston may be home to several world-class arts and culture organizations, …
Continue reading “Meet Alice Valdez: Musician, educator, advocate, and MECA founder”
In no uncertain terms, easy and equitable access to clean water is an absolute necessity for a prosperous Houston and its residents. And while many dedicated local officials and nonprofit organizations work to maintain the safety and drinkability of Houston’s water supply, some troubling trends require our region’s attention and action in order to keep …
Continue reading “The State of Water Quality in Houston: Four Stats Every Resident Should Know”
Houston is known for many things — its sprawl, being the global energy capital, its infamous traffic, its world-class arts institutions and its inspiring levels of diversity, to name a few. But as a vast region that spans 9,500 square miles, no one piece of conventional wisdom about Houston applies to our whole region. Making …
Continue reading “How to make the most of Understanding Houston”
