The Philly Voice provides a primer on Houston's ascendance up the ranks of major U.S. cities as it evolves into a more urban version of itself.

"Hidden in the haze of the petrochemical plants and beyond the seemingly endless traffic jams, a Texas city has grown so large that it is poised to pass Chicago as the third biggest in the United States in the next decade," according to an article by Jon Herskovitz.
That city, of course, is Houston, which has been growing quickly for years as Chicago has shrunk. Yet despite that stereotyped intro, the article describes the new Houston as a surprising departure from cultural signifiers traditionally associated with Texas. According to Herskovitz, "Houston also embodies the new, urban Texas, where political views have been drifting to the left, diversity is being embraced and newer residents are just as likely to drive a hybrid as a pickup truck." Regarding the city's diversity, Herskovits points out that "about one in five Houstonians is foreign born and more than 90 languages are spoken in the city."
The article goes into more detail about some of the political realities of the city, which allowed Mayor Annise Parker to become the "first open lesbian to run a major U.S. city" and the city to buy more renewable energy than any other in the United States. Also noted is the recent proposal to spend $250 million "to put bike and hike trials along the bayous, or small rivers, that run through the city like veins."
FULL STORY: Space City bears down on Windy City as third biggest in U.S.

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.

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Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

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Bright LED headlights can create glare and reduce visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.

Study Links Covid and Poor Driving
The effects of the virus, including ‘brain fog,’ can make driving more difficult and dangerous.

Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.
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