A new report finds that Houston might not be holding private partners accountable for promised infrastructure improvements.

A city program meant to improve infrastructure and spur economic development lacks oversight and accountability for private partners, according to Houston’s city controller.
The controller's audit concerns agreements in which a private company completes infrastructure improvements and is later reimbursed by the city.
But several companies selected for projects did not fulfill all their commitments before being reimbursed, the audit found. Documentation of the process was also inconsistent, from eligibility requirements and project evaluation to fee payment.
City officials have disputed some conclusions of the report, but also agreed that they could "a better job" documenting and formalizing procedures.
FULL STORY: Controller’s audit raises questions about Houston economic development program

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

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill
A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users
A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.

Op-Ed: Looking for Efficiency? Fund Intercity Buses
Much less expensive than rail, intercity buses serve millions of Americans every year, but public subsidies are lacking.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service