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.
FULL STORY: HOW TO MAKE HOUSTON MORE EQUITABLE

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
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In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

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Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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