A forthcoming opportunity for Houston offers a chance to consider the ingredients for a successful innovation district, and what level of intervention, public and private, is required to make the concept succeed.
"Two [Houston] task forces, one put together by city government, the other by the business community, recommended that the city designated a tech district, which could increase property values in the chosen neighborhood and boost the standing of politicians who help secure that designation," reports Lydia DePillis.
DePillis explains the rationale behind innovation districts, as promoted by think tanks like the Brookings Institution and civic boosters like Tony Hsieh of Zappos and Las Vegas fame, before digging into the "jockeying" for position in the race to locate Houston's new innovation district. Among the neighborhoods with advocates in their corner: EaDo, Montrose, and Rice Village.
FULL STORY: Where should Houston's innovation district be?
Houston Creating 'Equity Indicators' Report
To better plan and track its progress toward equity, the city of Houston is creating a new system of equity indicators.
Visions of the Future Houston
An ongoing exhibition in Houston imagines a city on the cusp of a new, more prosperous future.
TxDOT Approves I-45 Widening Despite Local Opposition
Despite every manner of local opposition, the Texas Department of Transportation is pushing forward with a plan to widen Interstate 45 north of the city of Houston, demolishing and displacing thousands of homes, businesses, and community facilities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
Toronto Condo Sales Drop 75%
In two of Canada’s most expensive cities, more condos were built than ever — and sales are plummeting.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)