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.
FULL STORY: HOW TO MAKE HOUSTON MORE EQUITABLE

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie