City of Houston’s 1st General Plan is under development

Mayor Parker State of the City

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A General Plan is under development for the first time ever at the City of Houston, according to Houston Mayor Annise Parker during her 2014 State of the City address, as documented at HTV.

A General Plan is a framework for translating a citizen-based statement of vision and values into strategies and policies to reach shared goals, according to a Houston Tomorrow report prepared for Blueprint Houston (pdf)

The mission of Blueprint Houston - an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that began as a Houston Tomorrow project - is to ensure the creation of a general plan for the City of Houston based on citizens’ vision, values, and goals.

Blueprint Houston PSA (mpg video)

Among other major initiatives - notably, creation of a Human Rights Ordinance to protect all Houstonians from discrimination in workplaces and public spaces - Mayor Parker noted many issues related to improving the quality of life for Houstonians, according to our transcript of key elements of her speech:

As a result of our transformative new approach for Houston streets, the needs of all users will be accommodated, as we grow. It doesn’t mean that we will become a Complete Streets city overnight, but as we do these projects, the Complete Streets and Transportation Plan will ensure accessible, convenient use by motorists, public transit riders, pedestrians, people of all abilities, and bicyclists. We’re doing it.

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We will expand the privately funded Houston Bike Share and I have committed funds for a comprehensive bikeway plan. I am committed to increasing cycling safety. The Safe Passing Ordinance requires a three foot buffer between motorists and cyclists and HPD is stepping up enforcement and I trust we will see an impact out in the community. Expanding our cycling infrastructure will help even more. Some of that will be accomplished through the Bayou Greenways Initiative, but there are other things we’re doing as well. I invite everyone in the room to come out on White Oak this Sunday for our Sunday Streets experiment, where we shut a city street and convince people that you too can enjoy walking, blading, riding a bicycle, and seeing your neighborhood in a different way.

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We’re not going to tolerate the destruction of our street trees … If you think a massive oak tree isn’t worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, I’d love to see you in court.

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The first General Plan in Houston’s history is also being developed … I say this outside of Houston all the time: no zoning doesn’t mean no planning.

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Houston will be home to a botanic garden.

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