A Bright Spot in my Day:
From the Planning Director
Community Matters: On Tuesday, June 2, while on a virtual call with planning directors from across the nation, I glanced at a local news feed and saw more than 60,000 people gathering downtown to rally for George Floyd and Black Lives Matter.
As I watched the live coverage, every passing moment of the this powerful, yet peaceful event demonstration warmed my heart and reinforced my respect for Houston and Houstonians.
Houston’s position as one of the most diverse cities in America is well documented. Our city is an amazing gumbo of people, ideas, passions, and energy. I believe we all benefit from this diversity.
And, this department is intentional in its efforts to make sure that we all benefit equally. Our work with Complete Communities is one way we do that. So is our work with Vision Zero, bike lanes and complete streets. The new Walkable Place and Transit-Oriented Development standards will be another. Also, later this summer we will begin a significant effort to encourage more infill and urban development that supports affordability and sustainability.
With these efforts, our team is single-focused on our service to the city and working toward equity for everyone, especially our neighbors who have been overlooked and under-resourced for far too long.
Margaret Wallace Brown, A.I.C.P.
Director, Planning and Development Department