Monthly Planner
Newsletter | October 2020
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Livable Places Goes Live

The Planning and Development Department launched the new Livable Places initiative with the first Action Committee meeting on Sept. 22. Livable Places continues the department's efforts to update portions of Houston’s development codes to create more opportunities for walkability, affordability and equity. 

Be a part of developing Houston's future by participating in this initiative. Get started with this interactive activity on LetsTalkHouston.com. Post a picture of something you like about a neighborhood - any neighborhood in any city. No internet access? Text a comment/picture to 1-833-408-2362.

The next committee meeting is on Oct. 20. Read more about Livable Places and watch this introductory video presentation.
A Bright Spot in My Day:
From the Planning Director

Get Outside: Cooler weather is here. We have made it through another summer, albeit one unlike any we have seen before and are zooming straight into fall. Wonderful fall. 
For Houstonians who headed indoors to escape the heat of the past few months, now is the time to join the rest of us outside in our glorious parks and bayou trails, safely distanced, enjoying the beauty that Houston offers. As we revel in this time, I think it’s important to recognize how fortunate we are to have these assets and to thank the visionaries who brought them to us.  

Thirty-five years ago, Buffalo Bayou Partnership was formed to turn the unattractive waterway into the world-renown jewel it is today. Read more about public-private partnership parks.
Walkable Places User Guide
APA Awards Walkable Places Users' Guide

To kick off Planning Month in October, the American Planning Association (APA) Texas Chapter announced the state’s best planning projects, advocates, and communities for 2020. 
 
The Resilient Houston strategy earned gold in the resilience category and the Planning and Development Department earned silver in the implementation category for its User's Guide for Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development. Read the full APA award announcement.
Council Approves 115 MTFP Amendments

This year, the Planning and Development Department reviewed 119 proposed amendments to the Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP), 115 of which were approved by City Council on
Sept. 30.

The proposed amendments were submitted from the private sector and public sector, including Harris County, Waller County, and the City of Houston. 
Census Skeleton
Census 2020:
Respond Today

The numerous census deadline extensions and retractions  have created confusion nationwide, but Mayor Sylvester Turner reminds us to keep going and stay focused on getting a complete and accurate count of Houston residents. 

“Regardless of how often the goal post is moved, the goal remains the same – counting each and every Houstonian and securing funding for critical community programs for the next 10 years,” Mayor Turner said.
Preservation Staff Rides Houston History Bus

Historic Office of Preservation team members and other PD staff joined "Mister McKinney" on the Houston History Bus for a tour of historic spots around downtown Houston. The tour was enjoyed by all, but it was especially helpful for historic preservation planners new to the team and new to Houston. 
R. W. McKinney, a local historian and radio and television personality, converted a school bus to an open-air tour bus and offers numerous educational tours around town including Haunted Houston and River Oaks Holiday Lights. Learn more about Houston History Bus tours at
Halloween Pop-up
Bike Lane in Gulfton

Throw on a costume and grab Halloween by the handlebars. Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 for a pop-up bike lane demonstration. Wear your Halloween costume and meet at the Benavidez Elementary School parking lot, 6262 Gulfton Street. The event is part of the Planning and Development Department’s efforts to educate the public about traffic management solutions. Support for the demonstration was provided in part by an AARP Community Challenge Grant. The event is hosted by PD, Complete Communities, Bike Houston and AARP. See event details in
Vision Zero Public Comments Due Oct. 20

The initial rounds of public comments have been incorporated in the Vision Zero draft action plan, and now we are giving communities an additional opportunity to share their views on street safety in Houston. People can review and comment at www.letstalkhouston.org/vision-zero until Oct. 20.
The Vision Zero Action Plan will be released to coincide with November 7, 2000: the 20th anniversary of the last time Texas roadways went a day without a single death state-wide. 
Questions or comments can be directed to Transportation Planner Lauren Grove at 832-393-6550 or Lauren.Grove@houstontx.gov.

Department Calendar and Information

10/15 Planning Commission
10/20 Livable Places Action Committee Meeting
10/20 Vision Zero comment period ends
10/21 Bicycle Advisory Committee
10/29 Planning Commission
10/31 Gulfton Pop-up Bike Lane
10/31 Census Self-response Deadline

View the full PD Calendar
View development activity reports
Sign up for Planning publications 
611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,
Houston, TX 77002 
832-393-6600