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
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San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
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Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
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German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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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.
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