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March 2022
A Bright Spot in My Day: From the Planning Director
Which is your favorite season? Like a women with two children, I could never decide which I loved more: Fall or Spring. Each season brings its own beauty and joy. Right now, however, Spring gets the nod. With declining COVID numbers, it’s been fun to reintroduce myself to the many activities that make Houston come alive in this season.

After the long hiatus, it felt great to see the return of signature events like Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Mardi Gras in Galveston, neighborhood festivals and more. Don't miss the Tour de Houston bike ride on April 3, and stop by the Vision Zero table to learn more about our commitment to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Stay tuned for details about Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20.
 
I hope everyone gets to enjoy these beautiful days outside in our beautiful city. Whether you are strolling along one of the more than 1,500 miles of trails along the Bayou Greenways, riding your bike on over 436 miles of high comfort bike lane built by the City and our partners, or just hanging out in one of our 366 City parks, #getoutside and enjoy this weather – while it lasts. 

Margaret Wallace Brown, A.I.C.P.
Director, Planning and Development Department
GIS Map of the Month: Tour de Houston Route
Tour de Houston Presented by Apache is a fundraising bike ride that benefits Houston's Reforestation Program. The ride will take place on Sunday, April 3. This annual event offers Houstonians and visitors a unique way to view the city with bike routes winding through Houston’s historic neighborhoods, scenic districts and parks. With three ride length options, the Tour de Houston is the perfect event for leisure riders or cycling enthusiasts.

This event begins and ends in Hermann Square at City Hall located at 901 Bagby. Riders will enjoy a post-ride party that includes music, free food and beverages. Be sure to visit the Vison Zero Houston booth.

View the full map produced by the Geographic Information Systems team. Read more about Tour de Houston.
Take a Livable Places Self-Guided Design Element Tour
The March 8 Livable Places Action Committee meeting, prompted a robust discussion on the preliminary ideas for development on narrow single family lots that generally have front loading two-car garages. We are continuing the conversation with Houston Public Works about alley access, incentives to promote rear access to lots, reduced parking requirements etc. in the coming weeks.

A recent meeting with the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) yielded productive discussions regarding driveway apron widths, issues with continuous driveway cuts, distance between individual driveways and shared driveway widths.

Join us for the April 5 LPAC meeting at 3 p.m. where we will discuss small lot development ideas and changing parking needs. View meeting details.
For April, consider participating in a Livable Places bonus activity. Take on a self-guided tour of recommended residential design elements and development trends related to recent and upcoming Livable Places discussions. These elements work towards creating a walkable pedestrian realm and enhance safety for all road users. Check out the route and share your impressions.
Participate in Equity Indicators Survey by April 2
The City of Houston encourages Houstonians to participate in the Equity Indicators project by answering one important question: What makes a community equitable?

Equity is achieved when a Houstonian’s race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation do not predict their outcomes or limit their choices. But we want to know what you think.

We are seeking feedback from community members to ensure that this project is reflective of Houston's diversity and multiculturalism.
Visit houstontx.gov/equity to share your thoughts on what makes a community equitable until April 2.
Video: Aluminum Window Restoration Workshop
The Houston Office of Preservation and HTV Houston Television visited mid-century modern Historic District Glenbrook Valley to conduct an aluminum window workshop. Restoration expert Bill Robinson showed how to extend the life of original aluminum windows in this 1958 home. It was a chance to prove what we already know; original aluminum windows can be repaired and restored to function well for another 50 years. We look forward to holding more such events. Thank you to the Burfict family for allowing us to work on your windows. Watch the workshop video.
Vision Zero Hosts Distracted Driving Documentary Premiere
Vision Zero Houston joined AAA Texas, Houston Police Department and Houston Police Foundation to host the premiere of "Sidetracked," a documentary focused on the brutal realities of distracted driving.

The outdoor film premiere took place in front of City Hall ahead of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. The 23-minute documentary examines the real-life stories of Houston-area residents who have been impacted by distracted driving crashes. The film is part of AAA Texas’ campaign, ‘Don’t Drive Intoxicated. Don’t Drive Intexticated.’ The goal of the initiative is to remind drivers that using a smartphone while driving can be as deadly as driving while impaired. 

The event showcased the short film as part of Houston’s ongoing efforts to educate the public and advance Vision Zero's goal to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. 
Tips to prevent distracted driving:

Put it away. Place your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation.

Know where you’re going. If using a navigation system, program the destination before driving.

Pull over. If you have to call or text while on the road, pull off the road safely and stop first.

Ask passengers for help. If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message.

Be a good passenger. Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.

Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.

Prevent intextication Never call, text or play games while driving, walking or cycling.

Source: AAA Texas
HPD Chief Troy Finner speaks about distracted driving in the "Sidetracked" documentary.
HR Assistant Director Charles Smith pauses to honor the lives of distracted driving victims.
Vision Zero Coordinator Sofia Font speaks with Spanish-language media to share the message of Vision Zero.
Planning staff chat with with Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum about ongoing Vision Zero and other transportation initiatives.
611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,
Houston, TX 77002 
832-393-6600