A city task force has proposed an ambitious public jobs program as a way to make an immediate impact.
Nearly a quarter of Houston's population lives in poverty—a scenario five times more likely for Black and Latino children than white children, according to a new report from Mayor Sylvester Turner's office.
The report, Rising Together, was recently published by the mayor's equity task force as rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Harvey have brought equity to the forefront of public discourse. In addition to a public program to generate 20,000 jobs by 2022, recommendations include a $15 minimum wage and local-hire policies for city employees and contractors; scholarships for early childhood education; and increased investment in affordable housing and infrastructure.
Those proposals "took into account the city's financial constraints," Urban Edge writer Leah Binkovitz explains, noting that evictions and unpaid taxes and utility bills cost the city up to $117 million each year.
Read the full story: HOW TO MAKE HOUSTON MORE EQUITABLE
Is Inequality Destroying American Cities?
A recent video claimed that high income inequality is the “Thing That Will Destroy Our Cities.” Is this true?
Houston’s Equity Score Leaves Room for Improvement
Houston is an international city, with a diverse population and economy. Its equity indicators, however, are relatively average compared to other U.S. cities.
Redlined Neighborhoods Experience High Food Insecurity
A study from Des Moines found that households in historically redlined parts of town are more likely to have to seek help from food pantries.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
This MA town is drowning in its own sewage — and residents like it that way
Susan Murcott, a waste water expert, said if Carlisle didn't address their leaking sewage, the problem could turn “deadly.”
To power data centers, Google seeks autonomous control of thousands of homes’ electricity
The tech company has signed a deal to indirectly pay Mid-Atlantic residents to reduce their power demand when the grid is strained.
From robotaxis to robotrains: LA, DC weigh driverless transit
If approved, the projects will take years to implement and face financial and technical hurdles.
Dallas suburbs are turning their downtowns into small towns
Four Texas towns are embracing walkability and density in their downtowns.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello