Texas
Without Community Gardens, 'Livable City' is a Misnomer
This commentary from the Austin American Statesman argues that the city's aim to become the country's most livable city is undercut by its low number of community gardens.
It's Not 'Zoning', But It's Zoning
This commentary argues that, though it may not be called "zoning", Houston has plenty of land use restrictions and guidelines.
Do Houston Residents Want Zoning?
With planning likely to become a major issue in next year's mayoral campaign, a recent survey shows that most residents would support new rules -- including possibly land use zoning -- to manage the region's sprawling development.
El Paso On Fast Track to Transit
Officials in El Paso, Texas have been working with state and federal officials on a plan to bring rapid transit to the city within three years.
Retail Space A Challenge For Many New Mixed-Use Developments
Mixed-use projects are all the rage, but often times, the ground floor retail storefronts remain empty long after residents have moved in.
Looking at Houston from Vancouver
A Canadian's perspective on the "planner-free" city of Houston, America's fourth most populous city.
Border Fencing Plan Dodges Environmental Rules
Federal and state environmental guidelines have been waived by the Federal government to fast-track construction of nearly 700 miles of fencing along the U.S. Mexico Border.
Americans Are Flocking to Texas
Sixteen percent of all American moving between July 2006 and July 2007 headed to Texas according to Census data released March 27. Four Texas regions were among the top ten destinations, mostly in the South and West.
Creating the 'Live Music Capital'
A 15-member "live music task force" will begin work to try to encourage the growth of a musical economy in Austin, Texas.
Clamoring for Urbanity in Waco
Proposed housing developments in the urban core of Waco, Texas, have given many in the city high hopes for a denser, more vibrant central city.
Border Fence Plan Fight Continues in Texas
This report from NPR examines the controversy and battle brewing between the federal government and small towns in Texas over a Department of Homeland Security plan to build more than 700 miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Nearly $100 Million Expected From Music Conference and Festival
Austin's South by Southwest music conference and festival is expected to bring nearly $100 million to the city -- more than double last year's amount.
Opposition Builds Against Nation's Largest Toll Road
The TTC, or Trans-Texas Corridor, is far more than just a 4,000-mile toll road, but an all-encompassing, multi-modal infrastructure network that is desperately needed, according to Texas planners. But citizens are wary and opposition is growing.
Houston Should Consider Free Rides
This editorial from the Houston Chronicle argues for doing away with fares for public transit.
Texas Town Forced To Forfeit Land For Border Wall
More than 200 acres of public land in Texas were transferred to the Department of Homeland security on the order of a federal judge. The department sought the land as part of its plan to build hundreds of miles of fences along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Houston Needs Plan To Soak It Up
With a patchwork of building regulations, development can be difficult in Houston. This op-ed argues that what the city needs to guide itself to a more organized development pattern is a highly-defined plan to improve the city's permeability.
'Free' Parking Costing Fort Worth Taxpayers Millions
Taxpayers in Forth Worth are paying millions per year to lease parking spaces to provide free parking downtown, enabled by a TIF that is supposed to build infrastructure in a blighted area. Many are calling it a misuse of taxpayer money.
No Zoning, But Many Restrictions
Houston may lack zoning restrictions, but the city has taken a number of steps over the course of the year to limit the extent and flavor of development.
Water Woes Result In Rationing For Some Texas Communities
A string of droughts and a water-intensive invasive plant species have diminished water supplies in Northern Texas, requiring rationing for 11 cities in 2008.
Houston Makes Agreement With Advertiser To Cut 800 Billboards
The City of Houston has come to an agreement with Clear Channel Advertising for the company to remove about 800 billboards from the city -- the result of a citywide plan to clean up the city's "visual clutter" that started more than 20 years ago.




