Monthly Planner Newsletter, June 2020

Monthly Planner

Newsletter | June 2020

Planning Commission Approves Walkable Places/TOD

On May 28, 2020, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposed Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) ordinances, as well as the proposed Hogan, Midtown and Emancipation Walkable Place Pilot Area Plans. We look forward to the adoption of the ordinances by City Council which will assist the City to design, build, and maintain a vibrant pedestrian environment for Houston to grow responsibly and sustainably. Read more about Walkable Places/TOD.

A Bright Spot in My Day:

Planning Director

The Wisdom of Crowds: Almost a year ago, Mayor Sylvester Turner asked the Planning & Development Department to facilitate a series of community dialogues on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP), TxDOT’s planned reconstruction of I-45.

We immediately jumped in with the goal of improving the project, not only for those who travel through the area, but also for those who live and work within the area. Read more about A Bright Spot In My Day.

2020 MTFP

Public Hearing

Planning Commission held a public hearing on the 2020 Major Thoroughfare & Free-way Plan (MTFP) amendment requests on June 4. The MTFP, per city ordinance, is updated through an annual process that begins in February and ends in September with city council approval of the updated plan . Visit MTFP for more information on this year's requests.

Historic Preservation: Spaghetti Warehouse

The Spaghetti Warehouse, a popular Houston icon, is situated on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, within the local historic district of Main Street–Market Square in downtown Houston.

The building was first constructed as a storehouse for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Read more about Historic Preservation .

Vision Zero Houston:

Virtual Open House

Everyone deserves safe, accessible streets and sidewalks. No loss of life is acceptable. That’s why Houston is committed to ending traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Take the pledge to be part of the solution!

Read more about Vision Zero .

Houston Bikeways:

Bike Safety Tips

With more people taking to the streets as businesses reopen, let's take a moment to review some good safety tips from BikeHouston .

Remember: Both bicyclists and drivers can prevent crashes. Read more in Houston Bikeways .

2020 Census:

Self-Response Rate

As of May 31, Houston’s Census self-response rate increased to 51.2%, while the U.S. overall self-response rate increased to 60.5%. We need every Houstonian to do their part to get counted in the Census! Need inspiration? C heck out Planner Eriq Glenn's groovy Census Slide video ! Take the Census online at my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.

Resilient Houston:

COVID-19 Update

To effectively navigate through the global coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Sylvester Turner has updated the Resilient Houston plan to include a COVID-19 addendum to guide the city's response to this public health crisis and associated economic impacts. Read more about COVID-19 and resiliency.

Planning Department Virtual Meetings

Want to stay informed from the safety and comfort of your home? We our continuing to serve our customers by conducting commission and committee virtual meetings, while meeting pandemic advisories and social distancing protocols. Visit the Planning Department website for meeting participation tips.