The Economist takes notice of Houston's efforts to create a more sustainable and attractive city, a not uncomplicated task in the capital of America's energy industry.
Overhauled energy codes for buildings, an expanding light rail system, a new bike-sharing program, and LED bulbs in most traffic lights: does this sound like the description of America's infamously sprawling and regulation-averse fourth-largest city?
Adopting more sustainable practices makes sense for an increasing number of businesses and residents of Houston. "Laura Spanjian, the city's director of sustainability, says that
businesses are increasingly likely to get on board if they can see the
long-term savings or the competitive advantages that flow from creating a
more attractive city."
And the opinions of residents are changing as well. The annual Houston Area Survey from Rice's Kinder Institute, "found that 56% think a much better
public transport system is 'very important' for the city's future. A
similarly solid majority said the Metro system should use all its
revenue for improvements to public transport, rather than diverting
funds to mend potholes. In the 1990s, most respondents were more
concerned about the roads."
"People's views about houses have changed, too. In 2008 59% said they
would prefer a big house with a big garden, even if that meant they had
to use their car to go everywhere. Just 36% preferred a smaller house
within walking distance of shops and workplaces. By 2012, preferences
were running the other way: 51% liked the idea of a smaller house in a
more interesting district, and only 47% said they wanted the lavish
McMansion."
FULL STORY: Changing the plans

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

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

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?

Congestion Pricing Drops Holland Tunnel Delays by 65 Percent
New York City’s contentious tolling program has yielded improved traffic and roughly $100 million in revenue for the MTA.

In Both Crashes and Crime, Public Transportation is Far Safer than Driving
Contrary to popular assumptions, public transportation has far lower crash and crime rates than automobile travel. For safer communities, improve and encourage transit travel.

Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.
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