Houston
Oil Bust: Houston's Housing Surplus is Driving Rents Down
With a multitude of new high-end apartment complexes coming online, Houston residents are reaping the rewards of lowered rents as landlords struggle to fill vacancies due to a slowing oil economy.
New Houston Mayor Calls for a Paradigm Shift in Highway Planning
On the heels of the #NoNewRoads campaign, new Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner gave a "rousing" speech calling for the state of Texas to change its thinking about highway widening projects.
Houston's Lower-Income and Minority Communities Face Lack of Access to Medical Care
Maps showing the concentration of medical facilities in Houston, shows a greater density in higher-income areas.
Oil Woes: Houston Housing Prices Falling Quickly
The price of oil has been on a steady decline since 2014, and the housing markets of oil industry towns are on their own, similar slide.
Houston Metro Redesign Shows Promise
Following an "overnight" system redesign, Houston Metro ridership and frequency is up across the board. Its high frequency bus service now rivals that of peer cities on weekends.
Houston's Big Year in Transit Pays Off in New Ridership
It was a big year for transit in Houston: two new light rail lines launched operation and the regional bus system got a makeover on the high frequency grid model. Ridership is also up.
Gentrification Fears Spreading in Houston
In a state famous for affordability, people are beginning to ask a question more commonly associated with San Francisco or New York: Is Houston becoming home only to the affluent and the elite?
Introducing 8 Newly Elected Mayors
There's no doubt that cities provide important leadership on countless issues—here are eight new elected mayors tasked with providing the political leadership to make it possible.
On the New Era of Planning in Houston
The approval of the Plan Houston comprehensive plan was one of the biggest planning news stories of the year. A new podcast digs deeper into the significance and details of the new plan for the city of Houston.
Beware of Energy Rankings for Cities
In a special "Energy for Tomorrow" report, The New York Times looks at "clean city rankings" of energy efficiency and land use. But ranking cities is no easy task—"winners on one list may appears as sinners on another."
The Power of Houston's 'Magic Bus'
The Neighborhood Centers non-profit operates a bus named for the Who song "Magic Bus" to fill the fundamental needs of low income residents of Houston: access to jobs, healthcare, markets, and home.
Fix Housing Supply, Save the City: Is it Really That Easy?
Planning wonks might have felt all warm inside when they noticed zoning topics wedging their way into broader conversations about community affordability and equity. Bring it on. Finally.
High-Speed Rail to Stop Short of Downtown Houston
The latest plan for the Texas Central high-speed rail line would stop trains well short of downtown Houston. Transit advocates are displeased with the change of plans.
Convention Center Arms Race Heats Up in Texas
Four major cities in Texas are either considering or constructing convention center upgrades.
On the Effect of Houston's Loose Land Use Regulations
A conversation with an architect yields insight into how Houston's pride in the lack of traditional land use regulation mechanisms has created the city as it exists today.
Texas Votes to Keep Old Road Spending Habits
Lots of dollar signs were flying around on Texas ballots last week, many of which were headed toward road construction measures. The Houston Chronicle, however, points out the shortcomings of the state's patterns of investment.
Dispelling Four Myths of Houston's Growth and Affordability
A researcher at Rice University finds that proclamations of Houston’s affordability, gentrification, and growth are just myths.
More Diversity Needed in Bike Planning Processes
Left behind in business-as-usual city planning processes: low income and racial minority residents who rely on biking for transportation.
Re-Evaluating Houston's Downtown Living Initiative
Like many other cities, Houston was looking for ways to bring more residents to Downtown. The Downtown Living Initiative has worked well—but will it leave some populations behind?
Houston's Drainage Controversy Isn't Unique
Houston faces political conflict around a new drainage fee, meant to fund efforts to fix the city's crumbling infrastructure. Other cities could soon find themselves in a similar predicament.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
