Livable Places
What is Livable Places?
The Livable Places initiative is a continuation of the Planning Department’s effort to update portions of Houston’s development codes to enhance walkability, affordability and equity.
Following City Council's approval of the Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development ordinance amendments in August 2020, the Livable Places Action Committee will focus on updating the City’s development codes to encourage the development and preservation of affordable, quality housing for all.
The committee aims to create opportunities to:
- build housing on existing vacant lots within neighborhoods that are largely developed
- increase housing options with access to alternative transportation, such as bicycling and mass transit
- improve safety
- preserve great neighborhoods
This effort draws from community preferences identified through several previous planning initiatives including Plan Houston, Resilient Houston and others.
Use this page to provide input and feedback to the committee. Visit here often to find out about meetings, ask questions, participate in discussions and surveys, and to learn more. Your participation is important to help guide how Houston develops.
Upcoming Committee Meeting
- November 17th, 2020, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Virtual Meeting Link: Click here to join the meeting OR (https://bit.ly/3dX60Fr)
- Call-In Option: +1 936-755-1521 Conference ID: 787 854 49#
- Meetings will be streamed live on PD Facebook Page
- For more information visit Livable Places webpage
Sign up to receive information about upcoming meetings.
Upload a Picture of Your Favorite Neighborhood, House or Street
Tell the Planning Department and the Livable Places Action Committee what development style you like and how you would like to see Houston grow. Photos can be from Houston, another city or anywhere in the world. Upload them on the Upload Favorite Pic tab below.
Learn More
In the Articles Tab, you will find various reading material that can provide context and definitions to support and provide meaning to the work the Livable Places Action Committee will discuss during its monthly meetings.
Thank you for your participation!
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Where Affordable Housing and Transportation Meet in Houston
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkRead recommendations that came out of the report developed by the Kinder Institute in partnership with LINK Houston. The report analyzed where affordable housing and high-quality, affordable transportation presently co-exist. It also lays out steps to align housing and transportation development.
Read the article.
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The Missing Middle
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Missing Middle concept describes various housing types that provide an opportunity for Houston to grow in a way that can "provide more housing and more housing choices in sustainable, walkable places."
“Missing Middle Housing” was coined by Opticos Design founder Daniel Parolek in 2010 to define a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types — compatible in scale with detached single-family homes — that help meet the growing demand for walkable urban living.
Building types include styles that have been built in previous years. They include "duplexes, four-plexes, cottage courts, and courtyard buildings," and "provide diverse housing options and support locally-serving retail and public transportation options."
1. To read more about the Missing Middle, visit their website.
2. Comment and tell us your thoughts about "The Missing Middle" below.
Project Contact
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Phone (832) 393-6600 Email LivablePlaces@houstontx.gov
