Monthly Planner Newsletter: February 2025

February 2025

Getting to Know You: Deputy Director Robert Williamson

Earlier this month, the Planning and Development Department welcomed Robert Williamson as Deputy Director. He has over 25 years of experience in Houston’s commercial real estate industry, and brings local, regional, and national perspectives to the Department. He spent the last seven years with Midway working on CITYCENTRE and East River. Williamson is well-versed in Houston’s unique development culture and has a strong background in navigating complex legal documents and concepts. He is a proven leader with a customer-centric, solutions-oriented management style. He excels at building strong client and community relationships, achieving goals through collaboration, and thriving in diverse, high-pressure environments.

Q: With your wealth of experience, what drew you to take on the role of Deputy Director?

RW: It was an opportunity to use my industry knowledge and experiences to give something back and help shape Houston as it continues to grow as one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic cities.

Q: As you continue to get more acquainted with the Department, what is your approach to learn more and develop strategies that address the opportunities and challenges faced by the Department?

RW: Be open-minded and listen. We have a tremendous amount of expertise in the department, and I want to help us develop a reputation as responsive problem solvers that appropriately balance the individual wants of our community members within the protective framework of our various ordinances.

Q: You have been praised for your strength in relationship building and collaboration. What opportunities do you see for the Planning and Development Department to enhance collaboration with the residents and businesses of Houston?

RW: We are in an enviable position where our work directly touches or influences individual residents, complete neighborhoods, the city at large and numerous other City departments. I want to leverage our specific expertise, so we develop a reputation for being a department that people want to collaborate or do business with.

Q: After a month of taking it all in, what is one thing that has impressed you about the Department so far?

RW: How talented and dedicated our staff is.

Q: Tell us something that people would be surprised to learn about you.

RW: I’m a dog person, sports car enthusiast, and love to paint in my spare time.

What Applicants Need to Know about the New PlatTracker

The new PlatTracker is expected to go live in late March. Applicants will benefit from additional features and improvements, and a user's guide, but please be aware that the new system may require action including re-registering and/or resubmittal of drafts.

Read the full announcement for applicants. Additional instructions will be shared with plat applicants as the launch draws near.

For more information, visit https://plattracker.houstontx.gov/edrc/login.aspx. Subscribe for updates at bit.ly/planning_signup

In Memoriam: HAHC Commissioner Tanya Dubose

The Planning and Development Department honors the memory of the late Tanya Debose, who passed away on Jan. 30. Tanya was an influential and dedicated community leader who served on the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission and on the Historic Preservation Appeals Board. Among her many community accolades, she was the recipient of the Mayor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2021.

Tanya was champion for historic preservation, and a proud fourth-generation resident of the historic Independence Heights neighborhood. She worked tirelessly to protect its character and cultural heritage. She founded the Preserving Communities of Color Initiative, focusing on preserving historic communities of color and helping to create vibrant communities and cultural destinations. She initiated and chaired the Harris County African American Historical Commission, served as the Executive Director of the Independence Heights Redevelopment Council and was a founding member of the Juneteenth Houston Board. Tanya led a three-year community initiative that resulted in the Independent Heights first written community plan. She also led the effort to have the Starkweather District within Independence Heights designated as a City Historic District, and partnered with numerous organizations, churches and community groups across the city to help further neighborhood pride and enhancement.

Submit MTFP Amendment Applications by March 7

The Planning & Development Department administers an annual public review process for amending the City's Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP). The process includes multiple opportunities for soliciting and incorporating public comments.

MTFP presubmittal meetings came to a close on Febr. 21. Applications for the 2025 MTFP amendment process must be submitted by

5 p.m., Friday, March 7. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and the applicants will be notified of any missing or required documentation.

Mark your calendar for these important MTFP dates:

Workshop: 1 p.m. Thursday, May 15

Open House (virtual meeting only): 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11

Public Hearing: 1 p.m. Thursday, July 24

Application Update Meeting: 1 p.m. Thursday, August 21

Recommendation/Action Meeting: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18

The Planning and Development Department estimates the July 1, 2024 population of the City to be 2,333,346. The estimates are based on the U.S. Census Bureau figures, the periodic updates completed by the Texas Demographic Center and the City’s building permit data. This represents an increase of 28,766 persons over the April 1, 2020 Census Count or an increase of 5,061 persons (0.2%) over the city’s July 1, 2023 estimate. Learn more about demographics.

In an effort to expand public engagement for the Norhill Historic District Design Guidelines, the Historic Preservation team will release a follow-up survey in March. Norhill Historic District property owners will receive a mailed post card with a link to an online survey. These survey results will help inform revisions to the Draft Design Guidelines before a HAHC public hearing tentatively scheduled in May. For updates, visit letstalkhouston.org/historic-district-norhill.

Ready to Rodeo: Staff Celebrates Go Texan Day

Department Resources:

Public Engagement | Activity Reports | Planning Publications | Press Releases |Subscribe for Updates

611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,

Houston, TX 77002

832-393-6600

www.houstonplanning.com

planningdepartment@houstontx.gov