The 186-page "Resilient Houston" document was released to the public in the nation's fourth largest city, which is facing numerous environmental stresses.
Andy Olin reports: "On Wednesday [February 12], the city released its 'Resilient Houston' strategy, a robust plan to invest in and strengthen the capabilities of neighborhoods, communities and the entire region to address, withstand and quickly recover from physical, social and economic shocks and stresses."
"Mayor Sylvester Turner unveiled the strategy alongside Chief Resilience Officer Marissa Aho and signed an executive order requiring all city departments to make resilience part of all strategic planning," according to article.
To describe the approach of Houston's new resilience strategy, Olin starts with the issue described as "top of mind" for most Houston residents: flooding.
In the context of resiliency, hurricanes and flooding are examples of acute shocks. Large scale, sudden events that disrupt and endanger life. Other shocks include economic crisis, cyberattacks, terrorism, chemical disasters and extreme heat and drought, among others.
Critically, though, the strategy not only addresses shocks, but also a litany of chronic stresses that make recovery from shocks difficult and that represent hurdles in Houstonians daily lives. The shocks and stresses identified in the strategy are tailored specifically to Houston.
For more news coverage on "Resilient Houston," see an article by Dylan McGuinness and Jasper Scherer for the Houston Chronicle.
FULL STORY: City unveils ‘Resilient Houston,’ its plan to make the city stronger at every level
Visions of the Future Houston
An ongoing exhibition in Houston imagines a city on the cusp of a new, more prosperous future.
Tracking Resilient Houston's Progress
The Resilient Houston initiative promises to strengthen the city's infrastructure and increase its capacity to thrive and adapt under crisis.
FEMA Resilience Designation Targets At-Risk Areas
Federally identified ‘disaster resilience zones’ could receive more funding and resources to urgently address climate resilience and prepare their neighborhoods for future extreme weather.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)