Texas
Addressing the Challenges of Houston's Exceptional Growth
Houston's incredible rate of growth since 2000 has created a demographic and economic milieu that presents a unique set of challenges, and potential, that is often ignored by federal policies.
Study Evaluates Protected Bike Lanes in the United States
The National Institute for Transportation and Communities released a new study this week called "Lessons from the Green Lanes: Evaluating Protected Bike Lanes in the U.S."
Despite Rejection of Residential High Rise, Houston Still Open to Density
A recent ruling that favored local homeowners over a developer in Houston had some wondering whether Houston's days as a "development free-for-all" were over. Fear not, says Stephen J. Smith.
Minneapolis and New York City Top 2014 ParkScore Ratings
The third annual rating of cities ranks the access, size, and spending of parks in the 60 largest cities in the country.
Planners Working on a Road Diet Sea Change in Houston
Planners in Houston are working on street configurations in large swaths of the city. The plans reflect Mayor Annise Parker's recent executive order to embrace complete streets as well as a growing demand among residents for walkable, safe streets.
New Census Data Highlight Continued Growth of Urban Areas
It's hard to avoid tales about the country's urban boom; then the U.S. Census goes and releases data that totally backs it up.
New TxDOT Head Will Focus on Traffic Safety, Alternative Modes
The Texas Transportation Commission's choice to run the Texas Department of Transportation is a former Marine Corps lieutenant general with a progressive take on the state's transportation challenges.
Among Fastest Growing Cities, Austin's Decline in African-American Population is Unique
Austin has experienced spectacular rates of growth in recent decades, growing by more than 20 percent between 2000 and 2010. Among quickly growing cities, however, Austin was the only that also saw a decline in African-American population.
Exploring Dallas' Architectural Boneyard
The Dallas Boneyard is a mecca for those with architectural salvage inclinations—not to mention a delightful collection of curiosities from the city's architectural past.
Texas Outpaces California in Promoting Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
In the state of Big Oil, all types of electric cars, propane, and natural gas fueled vehicles qualify for a $2,500 cash incentive, thanks to a bill passed last year that broadens the current alternative-fueled truck program to light duty vehicles.
Half the Country Now Facing Drought
On the flip-side of the polar vortex in the climate news department, drought conditions are worsening across the country. In much of the West, the drought means water supply challenges and a growing threat of fire.
Massive Bus System Overhaul Proposed for Houston
Houston has proposed a large-scale overhaul of the Metro bus system. Based primarily on a high-frequency grid, the proposed plan would make sweeping changes to routes, nomenclature, and more. The plan will be a "must watch" for planners.
A Texas-Sized Commercial Property Tax Gambit
A pair of articles from the Dallas Morning News examine the inequities of property tax rates in Texas. Under the current system, commercial property owners in Dallas County "shaved more than $4.8 billion off preliminary tax appraisals."
Residents Upset with Dallas Streetcar's Short Service Hours
Residents in Dallas are concerned about the short hours of service for a forthcoming streetcar line connecting Dallas Union Station to Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
Toyota's Move from Torrance to Texas: California's Wake-Up Call?*
Toyota's April 30th announcement that it would take its headquarters from Torrance to Plano, Texas is proof-positive that California's high regulatory, high tax, and high cost of living environment is unfriendly to business. Or is it?
Houston High Rise Ruling a Win-Lose
A judge's ruling provides a way forward for the proposed Ashby high rise development in Houston—a 21-story residential building that provoked a lawsuit by neighbors who have little recourse to protest developments in their city.
Decisive Supreme Court Win for Clean Air and Public Health
In a huge and perhaps unexpected win for the EPA, the Supreme Court on April 29 reversed an appellate court panel ruling that had rejected their attempt to regulate interstate air pollution caused by about 1,000 coal-fired power plants in 28 states.
The Texas Miracle: Looking Beyond the Impressive Growth Numbers
Texas is booming—its growth in people and jobs puts it in a league of its own. But another set of growth data pales by comparison: Infrastructure, particularly in the water and transportation needed to accommodate the growth, is woefully lacking.
Downtown Dallas' Comeback Story
Downtown Dallas provides another example of the redemptive power of adaptive reuse. With the number of empty buildings declining every year and more ambitious projects on the way, is it safe to say Downtown Dallas is all the way back?
How (and Where) NIMBY Zoning Regulations Stagnate the National Economy
Household formations and the tight mortgage market are one thing, but a recent article on Vox examines the role of zoning—and the NIMBYs that control it—in the housing market's stagnating influence on the national economy.
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
City of Charlotte
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)
