The growth of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Continental Airlines' largest hub but also one of he principal destinations away from the coasts for international carriers, has vastly increased passenger traffic and allowed Houston's reinvention.
"Houston is a microcosm of the world," said Stephen Klineberg, a professor at Rice University and co-director of its Institute for Urban Research. "Houston ranks third in the nation in the number of consular corps," said Jeff Moseley, president and chief executive of the Greater Houston Partnership. "That means that 92 different countries from all over the world see the value of establishing relations with our city."
"Much of our economic growth is due to our international trade ties," he concluded.
In comparison with other central hub cities like Minneapolis/St. Paul or Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston's demographics make it the more attractive option. "The growth of Harris County [including the city of Houston] during the past quarter-century was primarily due to immigration from abroad as well as the birth of new babies," explains Klineberg. It is one of the few American Metropolises with significant immigrant populations from all over the world, not just one region.
FULL STORY: How Houston Became A Global City
Houston: The Prophetic City
The Houston story gets a new telling in a recently published book by Stephen Klineberg.
Is Houston a City of the (Demographic) Future?
Bucking Texas political stereotypes, Houston is standing by its immigrant community. One reason: the city is one of country's most racially diverse.
Without International Immigrants, the Rural US Population Would Be Falling 58%
Census data shows that population growth in rural areas is due in large part to international migrants.
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)