Local officials are considering a conservancy to preserve the Houston Astrodome, considered an antiquities landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
Gabrielle Banks reports on a new plan to save the Houston Astrodome that "has become the blueprint for a public-private partnership overseen by a conservancy…" The conservancy, Banks adds, "would unite the city, county, the sports and convention corporation and other governmental entities with private investors to revive the Astrodome without requiring voter approval."
The proposed plan is currently under consideration by "representatives of various stakeholders" and will likely be finished and ready for consideration by county officials by the end of the year. The decision to support the proposal will come to the five-member Commissioners Court, already appears to have some of the necessary political support for approval, according to the analysis and fact-finding of the article. Banks also examines other local models, like the Houston Zoo and Discovery Green, for examples of how the partnership could work.
FULL STORY: A new plan emerges to save the Astrodome

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

NYC Outdoor Dining Could Get a Re-Do
The city council is considering making the al fresco dining program year-round to address cost concerns from small businesses.
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