Texas

Best and Worst Housing Markets, Right Now

A lot has changed since February, so Builder Magazine has revised its list of the Top 10 Housing Markets in the country for 2009. The Bottom 10 are, of course, also featured.

October 8, 2009 - Builder Magazine

A Look at Houston and its Environmental Impact

This report from NPR looks at Houston's growth pattern, and the evolution of a city that at once provides a high quality of life but also creates a big environmental impact.

September 20, 2009 - NPR

Transit Disoriented Development

Arlington, Texas, is home to the Dallas Cowboys' football stadium. But as the largest American city with no public bus or rail lines, getting to the stadium is no easy task.

September 19, 2009 - The Dallas Morning News

Texas Officials Call For End to Border Fence

Texas officials are calling on the federal government to ditch plans to build a pedestrian fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, arguing the fence will not stop illegal crossing.

September 14, 2009 - The Houston Chronicle

Slowdown in Construction Spells Trouble for Dallas' Preservation Office

As construction has slowed in Dallas, its office of Preservation and Planning has seen a large deficit in funding from fees. Half of its positions could be on the chopping block. Preservationists worry, while officials say they have bigger concerns.

September 10, 2009 - The Dallas Morning News

Houston To Require Better Walkability Around Transit Stations

City officials in Houston have unanimously approved zoning and policy changes that will encourage walkable development around the city's expanding light rail network.

August 21, 2009 - The Houston Chronicle

City Gives Incentives To Recycle

In Corpus Christi, Texas, officials have entered a public-private partnership to give people more reasons to recycle.

August 13, 2009 - Corpus Christi Caller-Times

City Imposes Controversial Fees For Street Marches

Hundreds marched in San Antonio, Texas, in defiance of new street procession fees that the organizations believe will stifle free speech.

August 12, 2009 - San Antonio Express-News

'Disaster City' Trains Rescuers for Real-Life Catastrophes

Disasters happen. Being prepared is almost always the ideal, but rarely the reality. A disaster training facility in Texas is trying to change that.

August 3, 2009 - Popular Science

Banning Billboards

The city of El Paso, Texas, considers whether to become the latest of several cities to impose new restrictions on billboards that amounts to a ban on future construction.

July 22, 2009 - El Paso Times

Safety in Immigrant Numbers

A high rate of poverty, a large population of illegal aliens, and a next-door neighbor to one of the most dangerous cities in the hemisphere, El Paso would seem to be a hotbed of danger. But it's actually one of the safest big cities in America.

July 20, 2009 - Reason

Denver to El Paso High-Speed Rail?

Colorado, Arizona and Texas have come together to apply for a $5m grant to research a possible high-speed rail link connecting Denver, Albuquerque, and El Paso.

July 18, 2009 - Transport Politic

Prayer at City Council

The ACLU and local clergy are fighting over the prayers recited at City Council meetings in San Marcos, Texas, near Austin.

July 17, 2009 - San Marcos Daily Record

Wetland-Clearing Highway Project on List for Texas Stimulus

A 14-mile road segment that would connect two highways in Texas is a contender for stimulus funding in the state. But it would also cause the removal of at least 23 acres of wetlands. Environmentalists are upset the proposal is being considered.

July 15, 2009 - The Houston Chronicle

Western States Trying to Get on the High Speed Rail Bandwagon

Officials in New Mexico, Colorado and Texas are pooling efforts to try to secure federal funding for a high speed rail link between their urban areas.

July 13, 2009 - The Houston Chronicle

Density is Victim of the Economy

In Austin, TX, a planned transit-oriented development went bust. The new developer is taking the density down from 1,200 homes to "plus or minus 700."

July 9, 2009 - Austin American-Statesman

Fear of Density in Houston

As Houston considers extending its urban boundaries, planners and locals struggle with the proper techniques for ensuring good development without zoning.

July 5, 2009 - Houston Chronicle

Smart Growth Program Vetoed

Texas Governor Rick Perry recently vetoed a bill that would have created a state level "smart growth" program.

June 22, 2009 - New Geography

The Challenge of Balancing Cars and People

Ft. Worth transportation planner Don Koski talks about the challenges and rewards of being a transportation planner in Ft. Worth, Texas.

June 15, 2009 - Bike Friendly Oak Cliff

Census Undercounts May Cost State

An audit of the past census found that 373,567 Texans were not counted, for an estimated loss of $2,913 per person-or $1 billion in federal funds from 2002 to 2012.

June 11, 2009 - The Houston Chronicle

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.