Houston

Houston Metro Proposes Undergrounding BRT Line
To ease community concerns, the agency is proposing an underpass in lieu of a prior plan that would have elevated a new rapid transit line above a portion of its downtown route.

Houston Cyclists Call for Safer, More Visible Trail Closure Signage
After a recent death on the White Oak Trail, Houston bike advocates say closure markers on the city’s bike trails are often inconsistent and hard to see, posing a danger for cyclists at night.

Part of Houston’s Main Street to Be Permanently Pedestrianized
A seven-block stretch downtown will remain closed to cars after the success of a pandemic-era outdoor dining program.

Houston Mayor Rebukes Housing Authority on Tax Break Deals
The mayor sternly denounced the city’s housing authority for going forward with tax break deals that critics say don’t bring enough new affordable housing to the city and reduce tax revenue for local schools and utilities.

Interstate Expansion to Go Ahead in Houston
The North Houston Highway Improvement Project, stalled by a federal investigation, will now go ahead with only a few tweaks that opponents say don’t go far enough to mitigate the damage it will cause to Houston neighborhoods.

Houston Leaders Debate Merits of ‘Conservation Districts’ Proposal
A proposal by the city’s mayor would create a new type of preservation district designed to protect historic structures and slow gentrification.

How Houston’s Highways Impact Neighborhoods
A chapter in a new book highlights how highway construction forced changes and caused displacement in communities that included public housing developments.

Houston Co-Housing Project to Use Geothermal Heating and Cooling
The development will also include communal kitchens, community gardens, and other shared spaces aimed at bringing neighbors together.

In Houston, Housing Loses Out to Freeways
TxDOT plans to demolish hundreds of apartments for its interstate widening project despite local calls to preserve the buildings as affordable housing.

Houston is Building a Record Numbers of Homes, but Housing Costs Still Rising
Despite a banner year in construction permitting, Houston area rents and home prices continue to grow.

Op-Ed: Houston’s Memorial Park Centers Nature, Connectivity
The Houston Chronicle editorial board calls the newly redesigned park a “transformative” project, urging state transportation officials to take note.

Houston Mayor Halts Affordable Housing Deals
The mayor wants to examine the true benefits and impacts of a state law meant to boost affordable housing production that allows developers to exempt their projects from property taxes.

Exxon’s Former Houston Headquarters Could Become a Residential High Rise
The former headquarters of Humble Oil, a predecessor to Exxon, will be converted to apartments in Houston, after New York-based developers CMI Developers purchased the building with a plan for adaptive reuse.

A Mixed-Use Vision for Houston Landfill Site
A local nonprofit is urging the city to consider adding mixed-use development to the site, which city officials plan to turn into a stormwater detention facility.

Houston Considering a ‘Sidewalk-In-Lieu-Fee’ for Residential Projects
Developers and homeowners might be able to opt-out of the Houston’s sidewalk ordinance under legislation under consideration by the Houston City Council this week.

Houston Transit Agency Proposes Bike Share Takeover
Metro plans to invest half a million dollars in the city’s bike share system to improve connectivity to buses and trains.

Houston Traffic Deaths Dipped in 2022
Fatal crashes killed slightly fewer people in 2022 than in 2021, but deaths are still significantly higher than in 2019.

Details for Houston Interstate Project Remain Hazy
With the project still under federal investigation, local and state agencies say they are moving forward with the development of design details for the contentious freeway redesign.

Houston Reopens Affordable Housing Wait List
For the first time in almost five years, Houston residents can apply for housing assistance.
Multimodal Improvements Coming to Houston
The city is continuing its investment in safety and accessibility improvements for transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Pagination
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service