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February 2023
City Awarded Federal Reconnecting Communities
Planning Grant for Gulfton and Beyond Study
The United States Department of Transportation announced the City of Houston will receive $552,160 in federal funding through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) grant program for the Reconnecting Communities: Gulfton and Beyond Study.
 
The grant will fund a community-driven planning process to engage residents and design future connections between Gulfton and crucial destinations currently separated by freeways and busy thoroughfares. This study directly supports the City of Houston’s Gulfton Complete Communities Action Plan and will build from recently completed improvements to Hillcroft Avenue.
 
“Gulfton is Houston’s most densely populated, diverse, and transit-dependent neighborhood, but its residents face many physical barriers in getting around their neighborhood,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in reference to the Southwest Freeway, Westpark Tollway and other busy thoroughfares. “I thank the United States Department of Transportation for committing funds to address these barriers and propose workable solutions.”

Reconnecting Communities is the first-ever federal program dedicated to reconnecting communities like Gulfton that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure.
Click the image for a full view of the map.
The study will allow the Planning and Development Department to conduct a 12-month planning process to study and design connections across these barriers by working with residents and agency partners. Learn more about the Reconnecting Communities: Gulfton and Beyond Study.
City Continues Conversations on Conservation Districts
Over the last month, the Planning and Development Department has presented Conservation Districts, and the related draft of proposed changes to the Chapter 33 Code of Ordinance, at City Council public hearings, at Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission and the Super Neighborhood Alliance meeting. Check back at the Conservation Districts website for updates including the City Council meeting date for action on the item.

Proposed Conservation Districts may establish a set of area-specific design requirements intended to serve the public interest in preserving and protecting neighborhoods with architectural or cultural importance. Conservation Districts require agreement by the majority of property owners in the neighborhood. 

Requirements are established by the residents and property owners who live and own property within a proposed district. Each district may look different depending on the cultural importance found in the community.
Learn more about Conservation Districts, read the draft ordinance, read the Frequently Asked Questions, and watch presentations at letstalkhouston.org/conservationdistrict

Hear more from Director Margaret Wallace Brown as she explains how Conservation Districts can benefit communities and how they are different from previous designations in this radio interview on Houston Public Radio: Houston Matters with Craig Cohen.
Give Your Feedback on Livable Places Housing Recommendations Survey by March 3
Planning and Development staff presented an updated draft of the Overall Housing Recommendations to the Livable Places Action Committee on Feb. 21. We want to know what you think. Review the revised recommendations and share your comments by completing this survey by Friday, March 3.

These proposed amendments will be presented and a public hearing will be held at Planning Commission tentatively on March 16.
Planning staff is eager to share progress on the Livable Places initiative with your neighborhood or organization. Email LivablePlaces@houstontx.gov to schedule a presentation.
MTFP Applications are Due March 3
Mark Your Calendar for May 11 Workshop
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 Feb. 24. The next step is to submit applications by 5 p.m. Friday, March 3. The applications will then be reviewed for completeness and applicants will be contacted for any missing information.
The first MTFP Workshop will be held on Thursday, May 11. This is where the applicants present their requests to the Planning Commission. For more information visit the MTFP website. 
Map of the Month: Single and Multi-family
Building Permits from 2015-2022 Web App
Click the image above to explore a web app featuring Single and Multi-family Building Permit data created by our Geographic Information Systems team.
Neighborhood Resilience Plan Drafts Presented in
Edgebrook & East Houston Community Meetings
The Planning and Development Department will host the third round of community meetings in March for the Neighborhood Resilience Plan pilot communities. The meetings will celebrate program milestones as staff presents the final Neighborhood Resilience Plan drafts and seeks feedback from community leaders, community-based organizations, and private partners.

Saturday, March 11 Noon – 2 p.m.
10120 Hartsook St.
Saturday, March 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 
7418 E Houston Rd.
Details for an Independence Heights meeting are being finalized. Check here for updates.
Vision Zero Houston Greets Riders at Tour de Houston
On Sunday, February 26, the Vision Zero team participated for a second year at the Tour de Houston. It was a great space to engage residents and to talk about the efforts the City of Houston is leading to keep Houstonians safe. They shared safety tips for all road users, Vision Zero Coloring and Activity books for kids, and some bike lights donated by TxDOT.
Team members also had the opportunity to answer questions and listen to comments and concerns from community members about bike lane projects across the city.
Get Ready to Rodeo Responsibly:
Leave the Risky Ride to the Cowboys in the Arena

  • It is never okay to drink and drive. Designate a sober driver, or use a ride service or taxi, to get home safely.

  • Drive carefully and watch out for pedestrians, bikers, and people boarding and exiting buses and trains.

  • Don’t be distracted by electronic devices.

  • Bikers: Be safe, ride sober. Make sure to follow traffic rules, remain alert, keep your head up and watch for opening car doors and other hazards.

  • If you are walking, walk safely. Make sure to always cross the street at corners or crosswalks and walk on sidewalks or paths whenever possible.

  • Have a plan that keeps yourself, your family, and our communities safe.

  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911

Learn more at www.visionzerohouston.com
Employee Spotlight: Mohdudul Huq
Former City of Houston Chief of Staff Dionne Roberts-Emegha sent a letter of appreciation to the Mayor’s Office complimenting the service of Mohdudul Huq, who has been with the City of Houston since 1984. The letter was featured in the City Savvy employee newsletter.

"Recently, I had a planning question and needed to figure out who to contact after so much time. I placed a called to Huq and was reminded of his invaluable knowledge, professionalism, and expertise. He assisted me the same way he did so many years ago. His kindness, knowledge, and patience are something you can't teach, and it is truly appreciated."
611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,
Houston, TX 77002 
832-393-6600