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SPACE City Examines Sustainability and Economic Conditions
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A second round of responses from the Survey on Public Attitudes and Community Engagement (SPACE) City Panel examined the opinions of Houston-area residents on the impact of climate change, the effects of natural disasters and employment conditions. The first report on the labor market revealed rising concerns about the cost of living, job security and the potential impact of AI. The second report found that most area residents believe in the effects of climate change and support practical, efficiency-based policy solutions. The third report on household perceptions of the economy discovered concerns over debt, a lack of savings and income volatility as families adapt to rising costs. The reports are part of the Center for Public Policy's new longitudinal research initiative aimed at providing in-depth insights into how the nation’s fourth-largest city responds to evolving challenges. Every quarter, 1,500 panelists representing nine counties in the region will answer questions about a range of rotating topics, providing researchers and decision-makers with a consistent means to track the evolution of public opinion and experiences.
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Hobby Talks with Richard Murray: Texas's Redistricting Plan: The Race to Control Congress
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In the next episode of Hobby Talks, Hobby School Senior Research Fellow Richard Murray breaks down the proposed Texas maps for the 2026 midterm elections with podcast host Dean Jim Granato. Murray explains what the five newly drawn congressional districts mean for Texans and the balance of power in Congress, as well as the political party strategies and national-level implications. He will also introduce listeners to his new newsletter, Letter from Texas, where he provides insights on the shifting demographics and the future of Republican dominance in the Lone Star State. Murray is well-known for his decades-long teaching, research and commentary on Texas politics, elections and polling. The episode will be available on the Hobby School website and on major podcast platforms on Oct. 24.
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Exploring the Ethics of AI: Safiya Noble to Deliver Rockwell Lecture
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How do search engines and algorithms shape our understanding of the world? Best-selling author and internet studies scholar Safiya Umoja Noble will visit the University of Houston campus to explore the topic of technology bias and the societal impacts of AI and other emerging technologies. She delivers the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Distinguished Lecture at 4 p.m. on Oct. 16 in the Rockwell Pavilion at M.D. Anderson Library. Noble will delve into key aspects of her book, "Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism." Her lecture is part of the “Rebooting Our Relationship with Tech” series, which invites leading voices to challenge audiences to consider the ethical dimensions of technology's growth, convergence and potential for harm. The free event is open to the campus and surrounding community.
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Meet the 2025 Hobby School Civic Engagement Ambassadors
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The Hobby School announces the 2025 Civic Engagement Ambassadors, a cohort of student leaders dedicated to advancing civic responsibility, voter education and community engagement across the University of Houston. This year’s ambassadors, Nzube Anwaegbu, Katie Newhouse and Genesis White, launched their roles at the recent Civic Engagement Boot Camp, where they supported the day-long workshop designed to elevate voter awareness and participation among students. With the mentorship of Jessica Ruland O’Connor, the new ambassadors will spearhead campus-wide initiatives, coordinate civic programming and foster strategic partnerships with student organizations and community stakeholders. A national grant from the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition, which helps amplify voter engagement efforts at college campuses, supports their mission and work.
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Nzube Anwaegbu, a senior majoring in public policy with a minor in national security studies, brings a wealth of experience through her involvement with the UH Ethics Bowl Team and her volunteer work with MOVE Texas, a nonpartisan organization focused on youth civic empowerment.
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Katie Newhouse, a junior studying political science with a minor in law, values and policy, is leveraging her leadership as a curriculum coordinator for the UH Mock Trial Association and her editorial contributions to the Houston Undergraduate Law Review to deepen civic discussions on campus.
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Genesis White, a junior majoring in public policy with a minor in management information systems, has contributed to research through the Democratic Erosion Consortium and UH’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Her leadership in the Student Government Association and mentorship in Houston’s Third Ward reflect her commitment to community-centered civic engagement.
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Together, these ambassadors endeavor to shape the civic landscape at UH, fostering a culture of informed participation.
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Inside Internet Privacy Laws in Texas with Tyler Bridegan
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The Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership and the University of Houston Law Center welcomed Tyler Bridegan to campus to deliver a lecture on the state's evolving approach to online privacy enforcement. He was hosted by Assistant Professor Nikolas Guggenberger's Privacy and Data Protection course, which introduces the foundations of privacy and data protection law. UH Law Center and Hobby School students got a front-row seat to Bridegan's path to public service and how the office of the Texas Attorney General, where he serves as the director of privacy and tech enforcement, is redefining what compliance means nationwide. Bridegan shared insights into how the state is holding major technology companies accountable, including landmark settlements with Google and Meta, as well as the broader ethical challenges of protecting consumer data in an increasingly connected world. Bridegan also joined Dean Jim Granato for a Hobby Talks podcast episode, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act and adjusting priorities and initiatives to meet the moment.
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Teaching Cities Spotlight: Graduate Students Learn the Value of Municipal Service
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The Teaching Cities program is preparing the next generation of public servants. Master of Public Administration candidate Dominick Nieswiadomy spent his summer with the City of Piney Point Village, gaining hands-on experience in the key functions and significance of a municipal budget. He was able to make valuable connections and engage professionals on the front lines of delivering public services and programs. “I was impressed by how many of the things that I had learned and read about in class were directly helpful with this internship, including assisting the City of Piney Point Village with its budget book and presentation," said the second-year MPA candidate. He added, "It was a great feeling to see what I learned be validated in a real setting.” Nieswiadomy was one of two graduate students participating in the program this summer. Karah DeLong, a Master of Public Policy student, was assigned to the City of Deer Park. Led by Instructional Associate Professor Peter Koelling, the initiative is part of an agile education curriculum framework that emphasizes experiential learning and collaboration with municipalities. Partner cities rotate graduate students through departments and assignments, offering real-world insight into local governance.
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Boot Camp Kicks Off Voter Registration and Education Season
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The Hobby School promoted voter registration and education at the Fall 2025 Civic Engagement Boot Camp in September. More than 40 members of the campus and surrounding community heard from local experts about the upcoming elections, the history of voting in the region and state and ways they could leverage their voices and stories into action. First-year political science student Karen Wei signed up for the daylong workshop to learn about public policy and get advice from civic leaders: “To me, civic engagement is at the heart of democracy. I think the reason anyone goes into a field like political science or public policy is that they believe in something bigger than themselves and want to see positive change happen.” The Hobby School’s Jessica Ruland O’Connor organized speakers working in the community to build civic engagement through voter education, registration and participation. Houston Voting Initiative's Annie Benifield Johnson emphasized the importance of civic engagement in building thriving communities in the opening keynote. Panelists Chris Pino of BakerRipley and Avery Spranger of the Harris County Department of Education encouraged participants to carve out their own opportunities to open doors for others. Ashley Lawson of the Harris County Clerk's office provided a demonstration of voting machines and explained the county's role in local elections. Sarah Syed of Woori Juntos challenged the group to design tangible strategies to further civic engagement among their peers in a civics skills lab. The afternoon closed with James Lovell of the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar's office conducting training on the state rules and regulations to certify 23 volunteer deputy registrars to assist in registering eligible voters.
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National Award for Champion of Public Service
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Next Generation Leadership Academy member Colin Hull has been awarded the 2025 Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award in recognition of his commitment to public service and his potential to address the pressing issues of his generation. The $3,000 award honors the legacy of Paul A. Volcker, founding chairman of The Volcker Alliance, whose career was defined by his dedication to the public good. The national nonprofit aims to inspire and attract young talent to public service careers. Colin stood out among a competitive pool of applicants from The Volcker Alliance’s network of 25 university chapters.
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“Those of us who want to see change need to make our voices heard and take action at all levels of government,” Colin said. “I am fortunate to attend a university that offers excellent opportunities. Students need to understand how they can engage in government by voting, contacting their representatives, participating in ballot initiatives and interning in government offices.” A junior studying public policy, Colin joined the Next Generation Leadership Academy to deepen his interest in environmental policy and urban issues, such as affordable housing, transit and sustainable development. He is exploring career paths in policymaking and public service, and this fall, he is gaining hands-on experience through an internship in the district office of state Sen. Molly Cook through the Civic Houston Internship Program. Emily Janowski, who directs the leadership development program at UH, expressed her enthusiasm for Colin’s journey: “Our whole team is proud of Colin, and I’m excited to see how he leverages this opportunity, the skills he will build, the relationships he will form and the difference he will make.” Colin is the fifth Hobby School student to receive this prestigious award since the University of Houston became a Next Generation Service Corps university member in 2022.
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Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship Application Open through Oct. 13
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University of Houston students can apply for the 2025 Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship through Monday, Oct. 13. The $2,000 award recognizes students from any major who are passionate about public service and dedicated to making a tangible difference inside and outside the classroom. The scholarship honors UH Professor Emeritus Richard Murray's service to the Houston community and his over 50 years of teaching and research at the University of Houston.
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Hobby Leadership Award Nomination due Oct. 10
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Calling all Hobby School intern alumni and graduates of the Certified Public Manager program! A former Hobby School intern and a CPM program graduate will be honored for making a difference in their professions and communities with the 2025 Hobby Leadership Award. The former intern is a distinguished professional and civic leader who mentors the next generation and is committed to improving lives through public service. The Certified Public Manager is a respected and ethical public service leader who exemplifies the nationally accredited program's standards and demonstrates strong organizational leadership. The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 10.
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Mix and Mingle at the 2025 Student and Alumni Mixer, Nov. 10
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The Hobby School Fall Mixer on Monday, Nov. 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Station 3, will bring together past and present Hobby School students, interns, Certified Public Manager participants and community partners to network, celebrate the school's mission and honor the 2025 Hobby Leadership Award recipients. The annual gathering is a space where attendees connect with peers and mentors, share learning and career experiences, and bring the Hobby School's mission to life. The event is supported in part by the Hobby School Alumni Association.
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Chris Bronk Appointed to UH Faculty Council
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Chris Bronk, associate professor at the Hobby School, has been appointed to the University of Houston’s newly formed Faculty Council by President Renu Khator. He joins colleagues across campus in supporting faculty affairs, curriculum development and research and scholarship initiatives. The council will help shape academic priorities, promote excellence and contribute to decisions that guide the university’s future. Bronk brings a broad interdisciplinary background to the council. He recently returned to Houston after serving as the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Cyber and Information Influence at the University of Adelaide and currently holds an appointment at Rice University’s Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies.
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Matthew Conner Joins Hobby School Advisory Board
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Hobby School Advisory Board Chair Ashley Smith welcomed Matthew Conner as the newest member to the board during the October meeting. Conner is the managing principal at Arete Public Affairs, where he leads public and government affairs strategy and business development. He was recognized as the Top Education Lobbyist of 2024 by the Texas Lobby Guide. Conner brings more than a decade of experience in government relations and advocacy. He previously served as director of government relations for the Houston Independent School District, where he helped secure vital funding for key initiatives. His earlier roles include district director for U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul and deputy regional director for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.
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A University of Houston alumnus, Conner holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and served as a 2013 Hobby Fellow-Austin and as a 2012 Civic Houston Intern. Most recently, he was a panelist at the 2025 Civic Leadership Boot Camp. He is a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum and a member of Leadership Houston Class XLIV. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for Texas CASA. The Hobby School Advisory Board helps guide the school’s efforts and shape the future of its teaching, research and civic engagement activities. With leadership experience from a broad range of public and private expertise, the board serves as strong ambassadors of the school’s mission in the community.
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Hobby School faculty members and researchers contribute to conversations on topics that impact public policy and address Texans' opinions on issues of importance to the state and nation. Blake Heller of the Hobby School and his co-author, Kirsten Slungaard Mumma of Teachers College, delved into the measurable benefits of adult education programs and their broad impact in an opinion editorial for The 74, a nonprofit news organization covering America's education system. The Hobby School's Renée Cross discussed the latest developments in local, state and national politics on Houston Public Media’s “Houston Matters with Craig Cohen” show. Cybersecurity expert Chris Bronk spoke with KHOU 11 about protecting yourself from crypto transactions and developments in the TikTok deal between the U.S. and the social media platform's owners, ByteDance, amidst concerns about online security. Hobby School researchers Maria Perez Argüelles and Agustín Vallejo spoke with the Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media, Telemundo Houston and Univision 45 Houston about the recent SPACE CITY Panel reports on climate change policy options and the area's employment landscape.
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Hobby School Happenings captures lectures, events, application deadlines, programs and collaborations hosted or co-sponsored by the Hobby School and its centers. Oct. 6-10 National Voter Education Week Monday, Oct. 13
Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship Application Deadline
Apply Thursday, Oct. 16, 4-5:30 p.m.
“AI and Our Future: How AI and Search Engine Algorithms Reinforce Oppression” with Safiya Noble
Rockwell Pavilion, MD Anderson Library
Register Oct.20-Dec. 5
Master of Public Administration Program’s Public Officials of the Year Award Nominations
Nominate a Public Service Leader
Friday, Oct. 24
“Texas's Redistricting Plan: The Race to Control Congress”
Hobby Talks Episode Tuesday, Oct. 28
National Vote Early Day
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