Transforming Texas: APA TX conference

While car-centric development is common in Texas, continuing the pattern of sprawl can neither solve traffic congestion nor foster vibrant places.

Instead, Texas planners are championing human-scale, livable cities and towns – and this was on display at the annual conference of the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association, held recently in Allen, Texas.

In light of Momentum’s recent launch in Houston, it was an especially exciting conference. Momentum’s US team is well-positioned to strategically come alongside cities, coalitions, and other groups that are advancing people-focused mobility throughout Texas (and beyond).

Conference sessions highlighted the development of statewide transit and active transportation plans, the recent pedestrianization of city blocks in downtown Houston, and commercial drone delivery. Other presentations discussed mobility hub implementation in San Antonio, “cooling” hot Texas cities by converting parking to parks, and enhancing cyclist safety with complete cycle networks rather than isolated bike lanes.

People-focused mobility planning in Texas is a unique challenge due in part to the enduring legacy of unprecedented levels of highway expansion. But as Texas cities continue to face development pressures, planners and communities have an opportunity to reimagine and retrofit infrastructure while holding to a time-tested and economically viable model – walkable streets and human-scale places.