A feature in the Houston Chronicle explores the economic segregation of Houston along the axis of Main Street—with low income neighborhoods like Independence Heights to the north and affluent neighborhoods like Old Braeswood to the south.
"Houston is a place of stark contrasts," writes Monica Rohr to frame a feature coverage in the Houston Chronicle. "It is home to pockets of poverty, including Independence Heights, the northside neighborhood where Streets has lived since she was a teenager, and also to multibillion-dollar corporations and multimillion-dollar mansions."
As an example that informs lessons well beyond its municipal boundaries, "[Houston] epitomizes America in 2015, where the gap between rich and poor keeps growing wider and [people live] on just enough to get by, but never enough to get ahead."
The article includes several profiles on citizens trying to overcome the disadvantages of their zip code in neighborhoods that rank among some of the worst in the country on measures like income, college education, and more. The examples of how low income Houstonians struggle illustrate the many manifestations of poverty in urban environments—often found just a few blocks away from affluence and excess.
Read the full story: The Divide: Income inequality in America's most economically segregated big city
Houston's pedestrian promenade on track to be ready for World Cup crowds
The city is transforming seven downtown blocks along a light rail line into a car-free zone focused on outdoor dining and entertainment.
Houston Unveils Blueprint for Equity
A city task force has proposed an ambitious public jobs program as a way to make an immediate impact.
Report Finds Rising Poverty in Greater Houston
The Kinder Institute reveals a "stunning trend" of poverty spreading around Houston.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
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.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello