The new mayor’s reversal of road safety projects, some already underway or completed, is raising eyebrows among developers who say residents want walkable, mixed-use streets.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s reversal or suspension of road safety projects in the city is concerning developers as well as pedestrian advocates, reports Janet Miranda in the Houston Chronicle.
“So far the mayor has reversed work on city roads, demolishing new pedestrian-friendly street improvements and putting holds on ongoing street projects in the name of preserving car lanes. His targets have included Houston Avenue, the Montrose Boulevard Improvement Project and the Shepherd-Durham redesign—undertakings put into motion in the name of bettering safety, improving drainage and increasing walkability.”
The mayor’s stance seems in opposition to the views of other city officials and Houston residents. In a 2023 poll, 60 percent of respondents said they would prefer to live in a mixed-use development over a single-family home. “An increased demand among prospective U.S. homebuyers for amenities like ample sideways and proximity of homes to service businesses has not gone unnoticed by Houston real estate developers.”
For developers, walkability sells. “Enhancing walkability supports development and economic growth, and candidly shouldn't be controversial at the city level,” wrote Steve Radom, founder of Radom Capital, in a statement to Houston Public Media.
FULL STORY: 'What is the mayor doing?': Developers weigh in on Whitmire's road policies
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure
Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.
Jacksonville Takes Action on Vision Zero
The city is implementing its first-ever Vision Zero Action Plan in an effort to reduce pedestrian and cyclist deaths and serious injuries.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association