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.
FULL STORY: The Divide: Income inequality in America's most economically segregated big city
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.
A Chronicle of Inequality—Starting with Memphis and Houston
Places Journal has launched a series titled "The Inequality Chronicles." Expect high-quality longform articles.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie