Monthly Planner Newsletter | August 2020

Two Big Wins: More Space and Walkable Places/TOD Creative solutions for immediate challenges and long-range plans for Houston’s future received unanimous support from City Council with the passage of the Walkable Places/Transit-Oriented Development and More Space ordinances on August 5. The new More Space program addresses the current needs of local restaurants struggling with the pandemic economy. Read more about More Space and Walkable Places/TOD. A Bright Spot in My Day: From the Planning Director Unsung Heroes: The beauty of a successful team is that each team member contributes their best skills. Our team commands a broad spectrum of evolving skills to propel the department’s diverse range of projects and services forward. One of our operation’s most critical skill sets rests with our administrative team. It’s this group of four people who make sure our customers’ needs are met and that the documents get to the right place on time.  Read more about the Director's Bright Spot.

Houston Bicycle Lanes: Ordinance Comments To make Houston safer and more bike-friendly, an ordinance prohibiting motor vehicles from parking in a bike lane is being considered. Comments will be accepted through August 15 at houstontx.gov/parking. Read more at the Houston Bike Plan program page.  Photo courtesy of Geoff Carlton of TEI.

3rd and 5th Wards get Census Star Treatment   Collaborative efforts to boost visibility and forward momentum of Census 2020 brought two high profile census events to traditionally undercounted Houston communities in July. The walls of the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center in Third Ward got a new splash of color with the debut of a "Yes! To Census 2020" mural on July 14. Read more about the Census mural and parade.

Vision Zero: Sunset Improvements Recent improvements at an intersection near Rice University where cyclists were hit and killed signify a mayoral promise of safety fulfilled. Read the Sunset near Rice press release. The Vision Zero program aims to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The Transportation Planning team needs your input to draft the Vision Zero action plan. Share your recommendations at one of two virtual open house events on August 18 or August 19. Read more about Vision Zero.

Map of the Month: National Acclaim The Platting Activity map, from our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) division, received national attention at the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Conference. The GIS division uses ESRI software products to create, maintain, analyze and map data. Jack Dangermond, president and founder of ESRI, featured staff member Sona Zechariah’s Platting Activity map in his opening speech. Read more about the Platting Map of the Month. View the full map.

Virtual Options: Let's Talk Houston Zoom meetings and Let's Talk Houston are the newest Planning and Development Department virtual participation options for the community. Let’s Talk Houston is a social engagement platform where you take surveys, leave comments, upload photos and offer feedback on a variety of Department programs including Complete Communities and Vision Zero. Read about Let's Talk Houston.

Department Calendar and Information  8/17 and 8/18 Vision Zero 8/20 Planning Commission 8/27 Historic Commission PD Calendar Complete Communities Calendar Sign up for Planning publications View Complete Communities news. Subscribe to development activity reports for Plats and Permits

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