Kinder Institute director William Fulton discusses Houston's changing demographics and economic prospects. He sees the city as a place to pioneer and implement solutions to Sun Belt problems.
In an interview with Next City publisher Tom Dallessio, Kinder Institute head William Fulton says Houston can and should become a leader in Sun Belt urban innovation. Having served as mayor of Ventura, California, Fulton arrived in a Houston on the verge of rapid change.
"I'm amazed at what a dynamic urban place Houston is. It has been having its moment on the national stage recently with the Bayou Greenways plan, the reimagining of the bus system, new bike plan and two new light-rail lines. It's becoming recognized by major urban organizations as a place that is equipped to deal with the emerging issues affecting the entire Sun Belt."
On the demographic front, "Houston is moving past the old white/black dynamic to much more of a melting pot. There are more Vietnamese people in Houston than in any other area of the U.S. outside of California." Like much of the Sun Belt, Houston now boasts a large Latino population, nearly half of the total.
If Houston surpasses Chicago to become the third most populous city in the nation, Fulton argues it should also develop leadership approaches to flood resilience and equitable development.
FULL STORY: Why Houston Can Lead Urban Change in the Sun Belt
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience
In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.