With a patchwork of building regulations, development can be difficult in Houston. This op-ed argues that what the city needs to guide itself to a more organized development pattern is a highly-defined plan to improve the city's permeability.
"Why do we persist in adding more patches to the patches on this regulatory crazy quilt? Why can't Houston act like a grown-up city and do something comprehensive, decisive and future-oriented?
It can. A perfect place to begin is permeability.
That's right: Permeability, as in the land's ability to absorb water. Water, where it goes and how it flows, is an issue that is at the core of Houston's future.
If the city could immediately help preserve neighborhoods, manage flooding, clean the air, protect the bayous, expand green space and enhance the quality of life (and do it all without spending more money) wouldn't you be an advocate?"
FULL STORY: Patchwork of building rules not working for Houston

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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