The Economist takes notice of Houston's efforts to create a more sustainable and attractive city, a not uncomplicated task in the capital of America's energy industry.
Overhauled energy codes for buildings, an expanding light rail system, a new bike-sharing program, and LED bulbs in most traffic lights: does this sound like the description of America's infamously sprawling and regulation-averse fourth-largest city?
Adopting more sustainable practices makes sense for an increasing number of businesses and residents of Houston. "Laura Spanjian, the city's director of sustainability, says that
businesses are increasingly likely to get on board if they can see the
long-term savings or the competitive advantages that flow from creating a
more attractive city."
And the opinions of residents are changing as well. The annual Houston Area Survey from Rice's Kinder Institute, "found that 56% think a much better
public transport system is 'very important' for the city's future. A
similarly solid majority said the Metro system should use all its
revenue for improvements to public transport, rather than diverting
funds to mend potholes. In the 1990s, most respondents were more
concerned about the roads."
"People's views about houses have changed, too. In 2008 59% said they
would prefer a big house with a big garden, even if that meant they had
to use their car to go everywhere. Just 36% preferred a smaller house
within walking distance of shops and workplaces. By 2012, preferences
were running the other way: 51% liked the idea of a smaller house in a
more interesting district, and only 47% said they wanted the lavish
McMansion."
FULL STORY: Changing the plans
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley
The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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