A city task force has proposed an ambitious public jobs program as a way to make an immediate impact.
Nearly a quarter of Houston's population lives in poverty—a scenario five times more likely for Black and Latino children than white children, according to a new report from Mayor Sylvester Turner's office.
The report, Rising Together, was recently published by the mayor's equity task force as rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Harvey have brought equity to the forefront of public discourse. In addition to a public program to generate 20,000 jobs by 2022, recommendations include a $15 minimum wage and local-hire policies for city employees and contractors; scholarships for early childhood education; and increased investment in affordable housing and infrastructure.
Those proposals "took into account the city's financial constraints," Urban Edge writer Leah Binkovitz explains, noting that evictions and unpaid taxes and utility bills cost the city up to $117 million each year.
Read the full story: HOW TO MAKE HOUSTON MORE EQUITABLE
Is Inequality Destroying American Cities?
A recent video claimed that high income inequality is the “Thing That Will Destroy Our Cities.” Is this true?
Houston’s Equity Score Leaves Room for Improvement
Houston is an international city, with a diverse population and economy. Its equity indicators, however, are relatively average compared to other U.S. cities.
Redlined Neighborhoods Experience High Food Insecurity
A study from Des Moines found that households in historically redlined parts of town are more likely to have to seek help from food pantries.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders
The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.
NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses
Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.
California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority