Monthly Planner
Newsletter | May 2020
Major Thoroughfare &
Freeway Plan

The Transportation Planning Division is holding its first virtual Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan (MTFP) Workshop on Thursday, May 14, from 1 pm - 2:30 pm. The Planning Commission meeting will start promptly at 2:30 pm following the MTFP workshop.

The virtual workshop meeting will allow the public to participate safely from home or their office as we all practice social distancing during this COVID-19 health crisis. Click here for more information on MTFP .
A Bright Spot in My Day:
Many Hands, Light Work

From the Planning Director: The old adage that many hands make light work has never been more appropriate to the Planning & Development Department than the past few weeks. Moving three public commissions from in-person to virtual formats is no small feat and the many hands that worked long days and weekends to make it happen did an amazing job.

Thanks to cooperative collaboration from our City’s Information Technology Department, the City Attorney’s office...Read more
Transformative:
NHHIP Update

The North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) for I-45 is one of the largest infrastructure projects the City of Houston will see in a generation. To ensure this project meets our goals, Mayor Sylvester Turner asked the City of Houston Planning & Development Department to lead a Facilitation Group to elevate the community’s concerns and recommend ways to improve the project. Read more about NHHIP .
2020 Census
Survey Extended!

The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are responding every day. More than 70 million households have responded to date, representing over 56.6% of all households in America.

In the City of Houston, 47.3% have self-responded as of 5/03/2020. Census Post cards are being delivered to residents at meal distribution...Read more about Census.
Historic Sites:
Stories of Diversity

Houston's historic preservation efforts see an uptick in urban communities, according to a City Savvy article featuring the Planning Department's Preservation Officer, Roman McAllen.

Our Historic Preservation Office is constantly on the alert for opportunities to preserve places that matter and are open to recognizing the historical significance of places...Read more about Historic Sites .
Houston Bikeways:
During COVID-19

For years I’ve pledged to commute to work by bike. And, for years, a number of barriers, real or perceived, have prevented me doing that. Too much traffic, takes too long, need to run errands at lunch, what will I wear, too much stuff, not the right bike, too hot, too cold... the list goes on. Read more in Houston Bikeways .
Map of the Month:
Food Assistance

The Houston Parks & Recreation Department's Curbside Meal Distribution Program continues to provide meals to families at community centers. The featured map with facilities offering food assistance is updated weekly by our GIS Team and also includes links to other food programs like SNAP and other COVID-19 resources!
COVID-19
Resources

Stay well! For COVID-19 guidance, testing site information and updates, please visit City of Houston and Harris County websites: houstonemergency.org/covid19 ReadyHarris.org .

Read the Houston HealthScope: COVID-19 Special Edition 15 newsletter here.
Planning Department Virtual Meetings
Commission and committee meetings have moved online until further notice. The virtual meetings allow us to conduct business while ensuring the safety of our customers and employees during the current health crisis. Visit the Planning Department for commission and committee updates, including helpful tips for virtual meeting participants.
Development
Reports

Stay up to date on Houston platting and permitting activity with Plat and Permit Reports from the Planning Department. View reports here.

Sign up here for reports or publications.
Department Calendar

5/14 Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan Workshop

5/14 Planning Commission

5/21 Historic Commission

5/28 Planning Commission