Houston's mini kaihatsu, sinking a false alarm

Houston’s Mini-Kaihatsu, Sinking False Alarm, and more

by Tory Gattis — Houston's reported rate of sinking may be a false alarm in terms of the city actually disappearing below sea level, and a new book notes similarities between Tokyo's mini-kaihatsu and Houston's townhouse developments.
Texas Highway Interchange Stack

Silliness of Induced Demand Arguments, NZ MUD Troubles, and more

by Tory Gattis — On the silliness of the induced demand anti-freeway-expansion argument; taxpayers *want* government to invest in infrastructure where there is demand!
Las Colinas light-rail station in Irving, Texas

With Low Ridership, Should Metro’s Excess Cash Pile Go To Flood Control?

by Tory Gattis — In spite of ridership being cut in half due to Covid, Metro's financial position became stronger than ever due to a huge influx of federal grants, a total of $714 million in Covid relief in 2020 and 2021. Should this excess go to flood control?
I-45N junction with the 10Dhanix, used under CC 3.0 License

TXDoT and Harris County Reach Deal on 45N NHHIP Rebuild

by Tory Gattis — TXDoT and Harris County finally came to a historic agreement today that will reshape Houston mobility for decades to come. (April Fools...)
Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Houston vs. Austin, Kudos for Museum of Fine Arts Houston

by Tory Gattis — A just published review compares Houston vs. Austin, Woodlands ranked Best City to Live in America, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston receives praise from Travel + Leisure.
Report on Issues relating to the potential incorporation of The Woodlands Township

URI Report: Issues Relating to the Potential Municipal Incorporation of The Woodlands Township

Urban Reform Institute releases new report on Issues Relating to the Potential Municipal Incorporation of The Woodlands Township. The Woodlands Township is considering setting an election that would allow residents to vote in favor of or in opposition to incorporating The Woodlands Township into a city.
Houston skyline at night

‘Be Someone’ City Opportunity Urbanism Event and more

by Tory Gattis — Join us Wednesday evening June 16th: Building a 'Be Someone' City: Houston and the Rise of Opportunity Urbanism. We will discuss how to develop a market-centered, ‘people-oriented’ approach to urban policy, planning, and development.
The Astrodome Conservancy starts campaign to repurpose the Astrodome

Astrodome as World’s Largest Climate-Controlled Festival Park, Smart Traffic Lights and more

by Tory Gattis — Could the Astrodome be repurposed as the world’s largest climate-controlled park with a focus on weekend festivals? Having an activated park full of activities and festivals on weekends that is always protected from heat and rain would be a very popular spot for Houstonians.
Four drivers of Texas' rapid growth

Four Drivers of Texas’ Rapid Growth

by Tory Gattis — Four drivers of Texas' rapid growth: a light touch on zoning, high standard of living, and family friendly housing prices in good school districts make for opportunity cities.
Photo credit: Aerial vies of Irvine, Texas by La Citta Vitta, via Flickr

Texas and Houston Growth Secret, Texas Miracle is More than Oil

by Tory Gattis — Going beyond all the usual reasons given for Texas' high growth, here's the technical overlooked one that I think is a big key: Texas does not allow unincorporated counties to regulate land use (i.e. create zoning), which creates pretty much a totally free market in development just outside cities.