'Center for Opportunity Urbanism' Think Tank Launched in Houston

A new think tank to promote suburban growth has been established in Houston by arguably the media's highest-profile supporters of suburban growth.

1 minute read

March 5, 2015, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Nancy Sarnoff reports that Joel Kotkin has launched a new think tank, to be based in Houston. Kotkin will serve as the group's executive director, while Wendell Cox and blogger Tory Gattis will serve as senior fellows.

Sarnoff quotes a statement from the organization in describing the think tank's agenda: "The center offers a counterpoint to current thinking on smart growth, forced densification and opposition to suburban development…"

The think tank's website promises content on urban issues, small cities, suburbs, housing, planning, demographics, economics, and education.

The website's posts date back to late December, with the announcement of the 10th Annual Demographic International Housing Affordability Survey among the site's first posts. But some of the site's posts are obviously reprinted from other sources, like this post from January 11, 2015 that was also published by the Washington Post in October 2014. The group's twitter feed so far has five followers and zero tweets.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 in Houston Chronicle

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

Railroad tracks in Idaho passing a home by a river.

Idaho may see an 18% drop in federal surface transit funding — the largest estimated cut in the US

Transit systems in rural communities are much more reliant on federal funding to provide their services.

45 minutes ago - Grist

A Florida family with their belongings in a wagon walks past a destroyed storm after a hurricane.

How ‘post-disaster gentrification’ alters neighborhoods after natural calamities

After hurricanes, fires or other calamities, the original residents of a community are often replaced by younger, wealthier residents.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

A person crossing a street under hanging traffic lights in Maryland.

Maryland local governments examine if they should have more power to raise property taxes

Maryland’s housing market is out of reach for the majority of moderate-income residents.

2 hours ago - Baltimore Sun