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.
Houston: The Prophetic City
The Houston story gets a new telling in a recently published book by Stephen Klineberg.
Bike Infrastructure Makeover Underway in Houston
It might surprise people outside of Texas to hear about the progress of new, high quality bike infrastructure in the city of Houston.
A Look at Houston's Demographic Future
Using the Urban Institute's Mapping America's Futures tool, the Kinder Institute overviews likely racial demographics in Texas and elsewhere by 2030.
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.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
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.
Blinded by the Light: When Brighter Headlights Decrease Safety
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.
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
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service